Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the United States

Bursting with educational features, this Open Access textbook explores key issues within the US and connects research to reality.

José M. Causadias (Author)

9781009098151, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 October 2025

350 pages
28 x 19 x 2.5 cm, 0.806 kg

'The release of this textbook could not be more timely. José Causadias takes the reader on a journey starting from the origins of the United States, tracing the evolution from the proclamation that “All men are created equal” to our current day struggles with recognizing the basic humanity and rights of residents. Told through the biographical lens of notable Americans, guided exercises, and discussion prompts, the author deftly guides the reader through a tumultuous voyage that questions the very foundations and assumptions of democracy. I am excited for students to embark on this investigation to chart their own intellectual expeditions, develop critical conscious, and interrogate the meaning of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion today and for future generations.' Tiffany Yip, Professor of Psychology, Fordham University, and Principal Investigator of the Youth Development in Diverse Contexts Lab

This textbook provides students with basic literacy on key issues related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the United States. Over twelve chapters, it employs critical race theory and intersectionality to promote critical thinking and civic engagement on issues such as American culture, gendered racism, and Black reparations. Each chapter employs interactive and engaging opportunities to learn, making it the ideal introductory resource for undergraduate students. The text is structured around real-world stories, which exemplify the humanity of each person and the complexity of these issues. Causadias presents questions for further discussion or to enhance comprehension, defines key concepts, debunks popular myths, summarizes evidence from trusted sources that challenge misinformation and disinformation, and proposes in-class exercises. Curated reading lists can be found at the end of every chapter for readers to expand their understanding of different topics. This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

List of boxes
List of figures
List of images
List of tables
Acknowledgements
Preface
Part I. This is America!: 1. What is justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion? Understanding the American dream
2. What is whiteness? Understanding the American nightmare
3. What is Thanksgiving? Understanding American culture
Part II. Learning from Women of Color: 4. Why do we have police killings? Understanding critical race theory
5. Why are Black mothers dying? Understanding intersectionality
6. Why are indigenous women and girls missing and murdered? Understanding settler colonialism and patriarchy
Part III. 'Law and Order': 7. Who is a threat to our values? Understanding heteronormativity and cisgenderism
8. Who is a threat to our health? Understanding anti-Asian racism and the COVID-19 pandemic
9. Who is a threat to our safety? Understanding xenophobia against Latinx immigrants
Part IV. Time to Act!: 10. How do we confront ableism? Understanding accessibility
11. How do we fight dehumanization? Understanding humanness
12. How do we achieve justice? Understanding healing, hope, and reparations
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH]