Ellen Scott

Ellen Scott is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Oregon, where she has been a faculty member since 2001. Her research focuses on intersections of gender, race, class, and sexualities, particularly in low-wage work, carework, public policy, and feminist organizations.

• B.A., Williams College (1982)
• M.A., Political Science, New School for Social Research (1990)
• Ph.D., Sociology, University of California at Davis (1997)

Scott's research examines poverty, welfare reform, employment instability, and the challenges of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. She has conducted extensive studies on unpredictable scheduling practices, child care subsidy policies, and the emotional impacts of labor demands on mothers of children with disabilities. Her methodological approach emphasizes qualitative methods and mixed-methods designs.

Recent publications analyze Oregon's statewide scheduling legislation, financial stress among low-wage workers, and carework conflicts. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams on policy-relevant research and contributed to journals like Gender & Society, Journal of Family Issues, and Journal of Poverty. Scott's work often integrates quantitative data with qualitative narratives to understand policy impacts on vulnerable populations.

Her research has been supported through sponsored research programs at the University of Oregon, focusing on poverty alleviation, labor equity, and family policy. She previously taught at Kent State University before joining the University of Oregon faculty.