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Persistent Inequality: A Neurosociological Perspective

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Part of the book series: Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research ((HSSR))

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to discuss how sociological and neuroscience research can be fruitfully synthesized to shed significant light on one the most complex problems in sociology – persistent inequality. I present a conceptual model which argues (1) persistent inequality is the result of short-sightedness in decision-making by individuals and/or collectives, as shown in sociological research; and (2) short-sightedness, in turn, is induced by uncertainty about the future. Neuroscience research shows how uncertainty can trigger neuronal processes which lead to short-sighted decisions and behaviors over time. Thus, research on uncertainty can serve as a foundational program for the development of neurosociology.

This project was supported by a grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Research Infrastructure at Minority Institutions program (Grant Number: 1 P20 MD003942-01).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of sociology, California State University, Long Beach, CA, 90842, USA

    Jeff Davis

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  1. Jeff Davis
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Correspondence to Jeff Davis .

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  1. Department of Sociology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    David D. Franks

  2. Department of Sociology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA

    Jonathan H. Turner

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Davis, J. (2013). Persistent Inequality: A Neurosociological Perspective. In: Franks, D.D., Turner, J.H. (eds) Handbook of Neurosociology. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4473-8_21

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