Includes bibliographical references and index.

An introduction to the study of social inequality -- Economic inequality -- Status inequality -- Political inequality -- Sex and gender inequality -- Sexual orientation and inequality -- Racial and ethnic inequality -- Classical explanations of inequality -- Contemporary explanations of inequality -- The impact of inequality on personal life chances -- Social consequences of inequality -- Social inequality and social movements -- Social mobility and status attainment : openness in U.S. society -- Justice and legitimacy : assessments of the structure of inequality -- Addressing inequality and poverty : programs and reforms.