In terms of structural inequalities, I have noticed that the area in which my host university is located has extreme differences based on the differing sides of town. The side closest to my dorm is an extremely rundown area, and appears to still have segregation issues that have lasted despite desegregation laws. Yet, a five minute drive the other way is an extremely affluent and rich area. The structures of the housing are completely different- rundown versus modern, and crime versus no crime.
I would like to study how hate crimes differ by state, and how that impacts the perception of unprotected populations. For example, the FBI has a list of what is considered a hate crime, but it is up to states to determine which are protected. For example, Florida doesn’t consider gender identity to be protected as a hate crime.
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