Michael Kraus

Michael Kraus is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University, focusing on societal inequality and social psychology. His research examines class-based dynamics in social interactions, racial disparities, and emotional responses to inequality.

• Key affiliations: Northwestern University, Department of Psychology

Kraus's work spans sociocultural factors influencing emotion, self-perception, and psychophysiological responses to inequality. He directs the Contending with Societal Inequality Lab, which emphasizes dismantling systemic disparities through empirical research.

Recent publications highlight racial economic misperceptions, social class reproduction in speech, and wealth gap interventions. His scholarship consistently addresses intergroup relations, structural inequality, and behavioral responses to social hierarchies.

Laboratory opportunities include summer internships and doctoral training programs, reflecting his commitment to mentorship and collaborative research. The lab's mission prioritizes equity-focused values and community engagement.