Burying the Lead: Systematic Reluctance in the Coverage of Stratification Systems in Introductory Sociology Textbooks

Abstract

This article examines the presentation of caste systems of stratification in U.S. introductory sociology textbooks. First, the “caste versus class” debate from the 1930s and 1940s is summarized and its competing perspectives are evaluated. Second, after an in-depth analysis of introductory sociology textbooks presenting material on the subject, evidence is presented that (1) the majority of texts present a discussion on social stratification in the United States that is often misleading and inaccurate and (2) none of the textbooks go as far as to present the current system of stratification in U.S. society as caste. In fact, evidence suggests a kind of systematic reluctance exists among the authors to associate caste with U.S. society. The benefits of changing the way we as sociologists think about and teach social stratification, as well as the consequences for continuing the status quo, are addressed.