Michael Jeffries

Michael Jeffries is a Professor of American Studies and Class of 1949 Chair in Ethics at Wellesley College, where he also serves as Dean of Academic Affairs. His scholarship focuses on the intersections of race, class, and gender in cultural production, particularly within marginalized communities.

• Education: B.A. from Swarthmore College, Ph.D. from Harvard University

Jeffries is an interdisciplinary scholar who bridges sociology, cultural studies, and critical race theory. His research examines how marginalized groups navigate identity formation in oppressive systems, with a particular focus on hip-hop music, political symbolism (e.g., Barack Obama and Michelle Obama), and the sociology of sports. He teaches courses on race, racism, gender, and advanced seminars on hip-hop studies and Obama-related topics.

As a public intellectual, Jeffries contributes commentary to The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The Guardian, and WGBH public broadcasting. His recent media commentary has addressed issues like institutional racism in the NFL, homophobia in sports, and the political implications of cultural figures like Kanye West. He tweets from @M_P_Jeffries.