Unlevel Playing Fields: Understanding Wage Inequality and Discrimination

Designed as a short, topical, issues-oriented supplement for any course covering discrimination or diversity (including Economics, Women's Studies, Race and Gender Studies, Sociology, and Public Policy), this innovative text provides an accessible, interdisciplinary presentation of labor market discrimination. Theoretical coverage is richly illustrated with interesting real-world examples which demonstrate key points and generate student interest and understanding. Specific coverage of neo-classical and political economics provided in the early chapters of the book can easily be omitted for courses outside of Economics departments. A lively enjoyable read.

Here's what instructors are saying about Unlevel Playing Fields:

"Unlevel Playing Fields is a great text for introductory-level students. It offers a sophisticated explanation of neoclassical and political economy approaches to labor markets in a clear and compelling manner. The book is very successful in giving students the necessary analytical tools for grappling with important debates about racial and gender wage gaps, labor market discrimination, and affirmative action policies. It is an excellent book to teach from, since the theory is so well presented and it is always grounded in real world issues." -- Carole Biewener, Professor of Economics and Women's Studies, Simmons College

"Unlevel Playing Fields is an excellent, accessible theoretical survey of the economic analysis of race and gender for students with a wide range of backgrounds in economics, including no exposure to economics at all. Finally -- a good undergraduate text on race and gender! For the instructor interested in presenting a strong review of both neoclassical and political economy perspectives on the situation of women and people of color, this book is unique. I recommend it very highly." -- Mary King, Associate Professor Economics, Portland State University

"I use this book as part of a course on poverty and discrimination. The students love it. Many have said it is the best econ book they have ever had." -- Doug Orr, Assistant Professor of Economics, Eastern Washington University

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