White male

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In sociology, a white male is a male member of the White ethnic group, which includes people of European descent. In the United States, where whites make up a majority of the population, this demographic group is disproportionately represented in the nation's "elite" -- meaning highly educated, wealthy individuals who hold top positions in the government and the business world. [1] This can be seen as resulting from a combination of the more general white privilege and male privilege.

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[edit] Race and gender

A number of geographical, historical, and cultural factors converged to lead Europeans to superior power and prosperity worldwide in modern times.[2]

Cultures universally set different roles for males and females. Generally, men are significantly favored in traditional law and practice. Men (including black men, etc.) hold most senior positions in the U.S.

[edit] Prosperity and status

Due to experiencing lesser discrimination, White males have been shown to be hired and promoted more than female and minority canidates with similar backgrounds.[3]

As the largest group in the United States, white males continue to dominate the nation's elites. Jewish Americans are more overrepresented in top corporate offices.[4] [5][6] There is considerable discussion of the extent to which being a White male may affect one's life chances, especially in light of the socio-economic success of Asian Americans. Yet, European-American males continue to dominate the demographic composition of the US congress and the nation's boardrooms and may well continue to face enhanced life chances.[1]

[edit] Income

In 2005, white males over the age of 25 had the second highest mean and median income, behind Asian males over the age of 25.
In 2005, white males over the age of 25 had the second highest mean and median income, behind Asian males over the age of 25. [7]
  • In 2005 the median gross income for an American in the labor force with earnings and above the age of 25 was $32,140 per year.[8]
  • The mean and median income for White American males over the age of 25 with earnings was $54,365 and $40,479 respectively.[9]
  • When White Hispanic males are excluded, the mean and median income of White non-Hispanic males rises slightly to $58,215 and $42,399 respectively.[10]
  • The mean and median income for Asian American males, age 25+ with earnings was $58,266 and $42,359 respectively.[6] This is slightly higher than White males 25+, and very close to non-Hispanic White males 25+.
  • Both groups outperformed Black American males, age 25+ with earnings, whose mean and median income was only $37,586 and $30,539 respectively.[11]
  • All three groups (White, Asian, and Black males) outperformed White American females, age 25+ with earnings, with mean and median incomes of $32,878 and $26,661.[12]

[edit] See also

[edit] References