Foundations of Race and Economic Sociology

Why do persistent racial disparities exist in wealth, employment, and opportunity? This course introduces the powerful framework of economic sociology to analyze how race is embedded within market structures and institutional practices. By the end of this course, you will move beyond simple explanations of individual bias and gain a sophisticated understanding of the structural mechanisms that generate and maintain economic inequality based on race. What you'll learn: Understand the core concepts of economic sociology, including embeddedness, social networks, and institutional theory. Analyze how historical and structural racism shapes contemporary labor markets, housing access, and wealth accumulation. Apply foundational theories to evaluate the economic impact of policies related to racial equity and social mobility. Examine the role of modern data systems and algorithmic decision-making in perpetuating or mitigating racial economic disparities. Practice reading and interpreting sociological research focused on race, class, and economic stratification. The course begins with essential terminology and theoretical foundations, then progresses through case studies of key economic institutions—such as credit, labor, and consumption—to show theory in practice. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in social science, economics, public policy, or racial studies. No prior knowledge of sociology or economics is required. Start building your analytical framework for understanding structural economic inequality today.