Journal of Economic Literature
ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)
A Review of Thomas Sowell's Discrimination and Disparities
Journal of Economic Literature
(pp. 574–89)
Abstract
In Discrimination and Disparities, Thomas Sowell describes how economists think about the causes of disparities in socioeconomic outcomes. He cautions against government intervention to reduce disparities, noting that such interventions often have unintended consequences. In this review, I discuss the role of economic theory and empirical evidence in helping move society toward more equitable outcomes. I find far more reason to be hopeful about the role of government than Sowell does, but also argue for more experimentation and rigorous evaluation to be sure that our well-intentioned policies have their intended impacts.Citation
Doleac, Jennifer L. 2021. "A Review of Thomas Sowell's Discrimination and Disparities." Journal of Economic Literature 59 (2): 574–89. DOI: 10.1257/jel.20201541Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D63 Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
- J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
- J71 Labor Discrimination
- J78 Labor Discrimination: Public Policy