Andrew J. Cherlin

Andrew J. Cherlin is the Griswold Professor of Public Policy in the Department of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University's Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. He is a leading scholar in family sociology whose research has shaped academic understanding and public policy discussions around family change for decades.

Professor Cherlin's research focuses on:

• Marriage, cohabitation, divorce, and remarriage patterns
• Social class differences in family formation
• Economic hardship and family stability
• Children's well-being across different family structures
• Welfare policy impacts on families
• Worldwide patterns of family change

His recent publications reveal evolving trends in family formation, particularly the rise of nonmarital childbearing among college-educated women, the relationship between marriage and health outcomes (including same-sex partnerships), and the impact of economic transformations on family life. His comparative work examining family patterns across national contexts has been particularly influential in understanding how social policies and cultural norms shape family dynamics.

Professor Cherlin's significant contributions to the field are recognized through:

• Membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Membership in the American Academy of Political and Social Science
• Membership in the US National Academy of Sciences
• Presidency of the Population Association of America (1999)

At Johns Hopkins University, Professor Cherlin has advised numerous graduate students and contributed to major research projects examining family dynamics in contemporary society. His work bridges academic scholarship and public policy, providing evidence-based insights into how economic conditions and social policies affect family formation and stability across different socioeconomic groups.