Unequals

The study of status is undergoing a revival in sociology. There is no better time for this excellent review of the theoretical research program that grew out of Joseph Berger's work. Beginning with the rich history in Berger's upbringing and his early days at Harvard with Parsons and Bales, through the formal development of the theory, and on to its most cutting edge new contributions, this collection is a goldmine for those of us who work in the tradition and for those who teach it to new generations of scholars. * Lynn Smith-Lovin, Professor of Sociology, Duke University * An indispensable guide to current theory and research on Status Generalization: the way the status of people's social characteristics, like gender, race, or education shape presumptions about their competence and their esteem and influence when they work with others. It offers new insights into a powerful but underappreciated inequality process. * Cecilia L. Ridgeway, Lucie Stern Professor in the Social Sciences, Emerita, Stanford University * Over the last half century, the theory of status characteristics and expectation states has guided the development of some of the richest and most empirically successful accounts of how status and power shape our lives. Unequals brings together progenitors of the theory and new scholars at the cutting edge of innovation, providing a badly needed, up-to-date overview of the past, present, and interdisciplinary future of a vibrant and fecund research program. By addressing core issues of theory, measurement, and application, this volume is a 'must read' for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to expand their understanding of how status inequality arises and operates within small groups, institutions, and society more broadly. * Will Kalkhoff, Professor of Sociology and Executive Director, Electrophysiological Neuroscience Laboratory of Kent, Kent State University * Unequals presents cutting-edge work done within what is now almost a 70-year theoretical research program initiated by Joseph Berger, who in turn inspired many colleagues and generations of students at Stanford University to contribute to the research program. This book pulls together several generations of cutting-edge researcher-theorists who have made this theoretical research program so robust. This book is essential reading for all sociologists who are interested in the dynamics occurring at the most basic level of human social organization. * Jonathan H. Turner, 38th University Professor, University of California *