GSSA Colloquium- Fabien Accominotti

Abstract 

The dominant paradigm for explaining inequality between social groups foregrounds dynamics of exclusion. By implication, scholars argue that the inclusion of subordinated groups into social institutions historically controlled by dominant ones should pave the way to equality. Yet as many institutions become more inclusive, some inequalities remain stubbornly persistent. In this paper, we argue that this is in part because segregation has moved within institutions, leading to instances of segregated inclusion. Scholars of inequality who have noted this segregated inclusion suggest that residual dynamics of exclusion explain residual inequality. Taking a different approach, we argue that cases of segregated inclusion reveal how certain dynamics of inclusionare themselves partially responsible for the production of between-group inequality. The classic paradigm of inequality makes it difficult to identify these dynamics, because it lacks an understanding of how inclusion might cause inequality. We propose that while inclusion gives subordinated groups access to material resources and status positions they did not previously enjoy, segregated inclusion legitimizes institutions that dominant groups retain privileged connections to and naturalizes disparities between formerly included and excluded groups, thereby potentially augmenting inequality. In introducing the concept of segregated inclusion, this article explores the bifurcated causal impact of inclusion on equality and inequality.   

This event is sponsored by the Graduate Student Sociology Association and the Department of Sociology. 

  

For any additional questions, information, or to arrange special needs, please contact: 

Hannah Smith, GSSA President, at: 

smit2788@uwm.edu