ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an historical overview of the origins and early development of the various bases for social inequality in the United States. As the chapter has shown, these bases for social inequality are as old as the country itself and are a deeply entrenched structural feature of American society. Thus, despite significant strides in lessening the effects of social inequity, most particularly over the past 50 years, social inequality still remains remarkably resilient and present in society. Social inequality can be banished, but for this to happen there will have to be continued advocacy efforts for policies that afford everyone equal access to society’s rewards and privileges. In addition, society must challenge the social constructions, social policies, and social institutions that seek to deny people, groups, and populations equal access to society’s resources, rights, goods, privileges, and services.
