Customer Reviews

Social Stratification and Inequality

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

READ THIS BOOK!! You need to truly understand the class system in America and the means used to sustain it. This book is a fantastic survey of the class system in American society. It also includes analyses of world stratification systems and various theories surrounding these systems. Previous reviews of this book have had a narrow focus, rather than making judgement on a wholistic basis. A must-read to be sure!

I had to purchase this book for class and it's become one of my favorite textbooks thus far. Kerbo is clearly biased, however he does present different and conflicting theories, and criticisms of said theories, to every issue explored in the book - and there's a LOT packed in. I think he did a very good job of attempting to tackle so much and focus on areas with the most study done on them. He also makes it clear that more research needs to be done as we are far from finding all the answers.

As for readability, there are a few chapters that are extremely dry - lots of numeral figures to illustrate his points. However, the entire book is extremely eye-opening and there are many useful graphs and charts to help present the data.

Kerbo provides brilliant insight into economic and global stratification, along with detailed discussions of classic and modern theories. This is one of the best books on the topic and I have found it quite useful in a variety of academic situations. Some people that are critical of Kerbo's short sections on race and class should be reminded of the interconnectedness of social and economic problems. Inequality between both sex and race cannot be seperated from the consequences of capitalism.

Kerbo cuts and pastes data from reports inconsistently in order to support his liberal agenda; a ten year period here, a one year period there. Nothing is standardized or consistent. His aversion for Reagan and Bush - and his love affair with Clinton - are themes that are repeated over and over throughout. Unless you're left-leaning, try to avoid classes calling for this book.

I placed the order online. The order process was easy.
They offered new and used textbooks. I had ordered a used
book for the set price, and when I received the book, the cost
was less and the book was in excellent condition. Delivery
was within quoted time.

Do not buy this book. Do not read this book. Instead, e-mail Harold R. Kerbo and tell him that women's place in social stratification deserves a little more than a few pages. Remind him that women are 50% of the United States population, and thus 50% of the United States Social Stratification system.