Discrimination and Disparities

Thomas Sowell

Mar 2018 · Blackstone Audio Inc. · Narrated by Robertson Dean

About this audiobook

An empirical examination of how economic and other disparities arise

Economic and other outcomes differ vastly among individuals, groups, and nations. Many explanations have been offered for the differences. Some believe that those with less fortunate outcomes are victims of genetics. Others believe that those who are less fortunate are victims of the more fortunate.

Discrimination and Disparities gathers a wide array of empirical evidence to challenge the idea that different economic outcomes can be explained by any one factor, whether it be discrimination, exploitation, or genetics.

It is readable enough for people with no prior knowledge of economics. Yet the empirical evidence with which it backs up its analysis spans the globe and challenges beliefs across the ideological spectrum.

The point of Discrimination and Disparities is not to recommend some particular policy “fix” at the end but to clarify why so many policy fixes have turned out to be counterproductive—and to expose some seemingly invincible fallacies behind many counterproductive policies.

Ratings and reviews

Thomas Sowell gives an insightful analysis of economics from a non-linear perspective. He begins by discussing 5 key factors that can change outcomes. From success within a family unit to success within communities, his analysis of stats and figures shows that we should be aware of the many exterior factors that can affect end results. I found this book to be an excellent source of information and feel it should be part of a standard curriculum in education.

Exactly what you'd expect from Thomas Sowell

Good eye opener

About the author

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is the author of dozens of books including Charter Schools and Their Enemies, winner of the 2021 Hayek Book Prize. He is the recipient of numerous other awards, including the National Humanities Medal, presented by the President of the United States in 2003.

Robertson Dean has recorded hundreds of audiobooks in most every genre. He's been nominated for several Audie Awards, won eight Earphones Awards, and was named one of AudioFile magazine's Best Voices of 2010. He lives in Los Angeles, where he records books and acts in film, TV, and (especially) on stage.