Diversity in Practice

Race, Gender, and Class in Legal and Professional Careers

Spencer Headworth, Robert L. Nelson, Ronit Dinovitzer, David B. Wilkins

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2016
• ISBN:
  9781316490747
• Topic: Law
• Subtopic: Law Theory & Practice
• Index: Law

Expressions of support for diversity are nearly ubiquitous among contemporary law firms and corporations. Organizations back these rhetorical commitments with dedicated diversity staff and various diversity and inclusion initiatives. Yet, the goal of proportionate representation for people of color and women remains unrealized. Members of historically underrepresented groups remain seriously disadvantaged in professional training and work environments that white, upper-class men continue to dominate. While many professional labor markets manifest patterns of demographic inequality, these patterns are particularly pronounced in the law and elite segments of many professions. Diversity in Practice analyzes the disconnect between expressed commitments to diversity and practical achievements, revealing the often obscure systemic causes that drive persistent professional inequalities. These original contributions build on existing literature and forge new paths in explaining enduring patterns of stratification in professional careers. These more realistic assessments provide opportunities to move beyond mere rhetoric to something approaching diversity in practice.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title
• Series information
• Title page
• Copyright information
• Table of contents
• List of contributors
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• 1 Rhetoric and realities
• 2 Entering professional careers: Barriers, ladders, and basement doors
• 3 Inequality and opportunity in the careers of diverse attorneys
• Index
• Book in the series