Architecture is a challenging profession. The education is rigorous and
the licensing process lengthy; the industry is volatile and compensation
lags behind other professions. All architects make a huge investment to
be able to practice, but additional obstacles are placed in the way of
women and people of color. Structural Inequality relates this disparity
through the stories of twenty black architects from around the United
States and examines the sociological context of architectural practice.
Through these experiences, research, and observation, Victoria Kaplan
explores the role systemic racism plays in an occupation commonly
referred to as the white gentlemen's profession. Given the shifting
demographics of the United States, Kaplan demonstrates that it is
incumbent on the profession to act now to create a multicultural field
of practitioners who mirror the changing client base. Structural
Inequality provides the context to inform and facilitate the necessary
conversation on increasing diversity in architecture.