300291 Relational Inequality Theory (S) (WiSe 2018/2019)

Relational inequality theory is a new sociological theory that shifts the focus of investigation from individuals to organizational relations. It describes how categorical distinctions, such as gender or immigrant status, intervene in the allocation of e.g. earnings to individual productivity based on productivity-relevant characteristics as skills. The interplay and overlap of categorical distinction as gender or immigrant status and productivity relevant characteristics produce an allocation of e.g. earnings that neither of the categories alone can explain, and which goes beyond the explanations provided by Human Capital Theory.