Arlene Stein

Arlene Stein is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Sociology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, within the School of Arts and Sciences. She holds the academic rank of Professor and has been an influential figure in gender and sexuality studies. Her research focuses on intersections of gender, sexuality, culture, and politics, with notable works including Unbound: Transgender Men and the Remaking of Identity (2018) and Reluctant Witnesses (2014). She also contributed to Going Public: A Guide for Social Scientists (2017), a guidebook for academic engagement beyond academia.

Stein’s academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (1993). She has directed the Institute for Research on Women at Rutgers and teaches courses on gender, sexuality, trauma, and public sociology. Her work bridges sociological research with public advocacy, emphasizing the role of scholars in societal discourse.

Key research interests include transgender identities, Holocaust memory studies, LGBTQ+ rights, and the impact of right-wing populism on gender norms. Awards include the American Sociological Association’s Simon and Gagnon Award and the Ruth Benedict Book Award. Her recent scholarship explores authoritarian populism and emotional politics in democratic contexts.

Stein’s publications span monographs, edited volumes, and articles in top journals, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue. She remains active in academic and public spheres, addressing contemporary issues like Islamophobia, queer cultural shifts, and the challenges of researching far-right movements.