AFRC112 - DISCRIM: SEX RACE/CONFL

This course explores the sources of current differences in economic status by race, ethnicity and gender. First, we explore reasons for race, gender and economic differences that are not due to current discrimination. We examine the history of participation in the U.S. economy for various racial and ethnic groups and evaluate whether that history creates differences in current productivity by race and ethnicity. We examine the effects of family decisions about work within the household on gender differences in labor market productivity. Second, we review the economic theories of current discrimination in the labor market. Third, we use data to test how well the various discrimination and non-discrimination theories explain current labor market patterns. Finally, we review the major national policies on labor market discrimination and evaluate their effectiveness in light of the theoretical and empirical evidence amassed throughout the course.