Why We Disagree about Inequality : Social Justice vs. Social Order

Why do we disagree about the causes of and solutions to social inequality? What explains our different viewpoints on Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, income inequality, and immigration?

In this tightly argued book, John Iceland, Eric Silver, and Ilana Redstone show how two clashing worldviews – one emphasizing Social Justice and another Social Order – are preventing Americans from solving their most pressing social problems.

The authors show how each worldview provides a different understanding of human nature, morality, social change, and the wisdom of the past. They argue that, before Americans can find lasting solutions to today’s seemingly intractable societal challenges, they will need to recognize that each side possesses a wisdom the other lacks. Only then can we achieve the common ground and consensus we seek.

John Iceland is Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Demography at The Pennsylvania State University.

Eric Silver is Professor of Sociology and Criminology at The Pennsylvania State University.

Ilana Redstone is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.