The Inequality Machine

Paul Tough's 'The Inequality Machine' exposes how American universities perpetuate social stratification through systemic racism, wealth-biased admissions practices, and economic barriers.

The book combines student narratives with research to reveal how elite institutions favor privileged applicants through legacy admissions, SAT advantages, and resource disparities, while also highlighting innovative programs working to create more equitable outcomes.

Tough examines the psychological toll on marginalized students and proposes reforms to transform higher education into a true engine of social mobility.