I’m a sociologist and assistant professor in the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University.
Broadly, my work explores how we talk about, think about, and produce a shared understanding of social phenomena including inequality, social movements, identity, extremism, policing, national security, foreign policy and domestic U.S. political contests. I make use of myriad theoretical and empirical tools, and work with colleagues across a range of disciplines, to gain leverage on questions of interest.
My first book, We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite, examines the history and political economy of the knowledge professions from the interwar period through the present.
It was published by Princeton University Press in October 2024.
My second book, now in active development, will analyze the causes and consequences of the growing sociological distance between professionals, institutions and communities associated with the knowledge economy and much of the rest of society. Simultaneously, it will explore factors inhibiting “our” ability to accurately conceptualize and represent, and effectively respond to, mistrust, alienation, and backlash against “us” (and the outputs we produce, the institutions we associate with, and the communities we live in).
My Substack expands on key themes and arguments of both books.
All of my essays published in mainstream media outlets are available, non-paywalled, in the archive of this website — and if you’re looking for something in particular, you can search for essays on specific topics via the footer below.
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Contact information is available in the footer as well.