About
Keith R Brown is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Saint Joseph's University. His work bridges ethical consumption, fair trade, food insecurity, and ethnographic methods, focusing on how economic constraints shape moral decision-making. He has conducted extensive research on SNAP recipients' experiences in Philadelphia, examining the social and civic implications of food assistance programs.
His research interests include:
- Fair trade movements and their cultural significance
- Ethical consumption practices
- Food insecurity in urban settings
- Political economy of poverty
- Marketplace moral boundaries
- Interaction ritual chains
Keith's academic output spans interdisciplinary journals like Sociological Forum, Qualitative Sociology, and Social Forces. His publications explore themes including:
- Consumer politics
- Climate change and consumption
- Disability policy
- Moral boundary management
- Commodification of altruism
- Fieldwork methodology
He has taught courses ranging from Introduction to Sociology to field study programs in Latin America, combining academic rigor with community engagement through his Philadelphia-based food security work.
