Casting is authentically Italian-American dominated, featuring actors like James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, and Joe Pantoliano, with no evidence of DEI-driven race or gender swaps, forced diversity, or identity politics considerations; minor ethnic variety like a Russian caretaker and Meadow's mixed-race boyfriend Noah fits organically into the college and service worker contexts without clashing with the source material or setting. The Noah subplot introduces an incidental interracial relationship, but it primarily serves to expose Tony's raw prejudices and family tensions rather than lecture on systemic racism, remaining peripheral to core plots like Ralph Cifaretto's violent introduction, Johnny Sack rivalries, and mob promotions.

Gender-related elements, such as Dr. Melfi's rape trauma and the brutal murder of pregnant stripper Tracee by Ralphie in episode 6, sparked external feminist controversy for graphic misogyny and violence, but these depict unvarnished mob brutality without progressive framing or empowerment narratives. Creator David Chase shows no interviews emphasizing inclusion mandates, norm-challenging, or political activism for this season; themes prioritize entertainment and character depth over contemporary social justice. Reception focused on moral complexities and acclaim, with no contemporary or retrospective backlash decrying 'wokeness' or 'go woke go broke'; modern discussions sometimes position the series as anti-woke.