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Sociological Perspectives on Racial Discrimination

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  • Mario L. Small
  • Devah Pager

Abstract

As in economics, racial discrimination has long been a focus of research in sociology. Yet the disciplines traditionally have differed in how they approach the topic. While some studies in recent years show signs of cross-disciplinary influence, exposing more economists to sociological perspectives on racial discrimination would benefit both fields. We offer six propositions from the sociology of racial discrimination that we believe economists should note. We argue that independent of taste and statistical discrimination, economists should study institutional discrimination; that institutional discrimination can take at least two forms, organizational and legal; that in both forms the decisions of a contemporary actor to discriminate can be immaterial; that institutional discrimination is a vehicle through which past discrimination has contemporary consequences; that minor forms of everyday interpersonal discrimination can be highly consequential; and that whether actors perceive they have experienced discrimination deserves attention in its own right.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario L. Small & Devah Pager, 2020. "Sociological Perspectives on Racial Discrimination," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 34(2), pages 49-67, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:34:y:2020:i:2:p:49-67
    DOI: 10.1257/jep.34.2.49
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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