In his provocative and meticulously researched book Discrimination and Disparities, economist and social theorist Thomas Sowell challenges the widely held belief that discrimination is the primary cause of disparities between racial and ethnic groups in America.
Wow! A very comprehensive and enlightening review. I cannot remember if I have read this book or not, but I have read so many other of Sowell’s books that it rings true.
In response to your “what can we do?” question, I think that we really need to change goals. Rather than trying to create equality or eliminate disparities, I think that we should focus on promoting material progress and upward mobility for those who have less. These goals have the benefit of being achievable and not zero-sum.
Wow! A very comprehensive and enlightening review. I cannot remember if I have read this book or not, but I have read so many other of Sowell’s books that it rings true.
In response to your “what can we do?” question, I think that we really need to change goals. Rather than trying to create equality or eliminate disparities, I think that we should focus on promoting material progress and upward mobility for those who have less. These goals have the benefit of being achievable and not zero-sum.
If you are interested, I say more here:
https://frompovertytoprogress.substack.com/p/why-progress-and-upward-mobility