Matthew Gerard Baggetta

Matthew Gerard Baggetta is an Associate Professor at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), Indiana University. He specializes in civil society, civic engagement, and social movements, with a focus on membership-based organizations. His research examines the impacts of voluntary associations on members and broader societal outcomes. Baggetta holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Harvard University (2009), an M.A. from Harvard (2005), and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame (2001).

His work includes developing the Observing Civic Engagement Project, a systematic social observation tool, and serving on the board of the Melos Institute. He has secured significant grants, including a $290,000 federal grant (2017–19) and a $50,000 Spencer Foundation grant (2014). Baggetta’s research has been published in top journals like the American Sociological Review and American Journal of Sociology.

Teaching highlights include courses on urban policy, risk management, and nonprofit governance. Awards include the Outstanding Junior Faculty Award (2015) and multiple teaching recognitions from IU and Harvard. His media contributions include analyses on election procedures, pandemic impacts on nonprofits, and civic participation strategies.