The Reproduction and Maintenance of Inequalities in Interpersonal Relationships

Book excerpt: Contemporary racism, sexism, and heterosexism increasingly rely on less overt forms of discrimination that preserve, protect, and mask the power of the dominant group. This creates all manner of issues for people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ folks who must navigate a culture that increasingly sees discrimination and inequality as less severe or less pervasive than it was in the past. Indeed, despite the multitude of legal, social, and political advances made by these groups, inequality continues to persist, but often in a more subtle, covert, and invisible manner. The Reproduction and Maintenance of Inequalities in Interpersonal Relationships discusses the subtle ways racism, sexism, homophobia, and heterosexism persist in an era where many believe such inequalities are in the past and provides a comprehensive understanding of what inequality looks like in the contemporary world. Furthermore, the book examines how this inequality is reproduced in our everyday relationships. Covering topics such as discrimination and workplace relationships, this reference work is ideal for sociologists, psychologists, human resource professionals, academicians, scholars, researchers, practitioners, instructors, and students.