Gayle Kaufman

Gayle Kaufman is the Nancy and Erwin Maddrey Professor of Sociology and Gender & Sexuality Studies at Davidson College. They teach courses on gender, family, sport, statistics, and research methods, emphasizing institutional influences on gender norms and student-centered research engagement. Pronouns: they/them.

• Ph.D., Brown University (Sociology)
• M.A., Cornell University (Development Sociology)
• B.A., Cornell University (Rural Sociology)

Their research focuses on modern marriage, parenting, and family dynamics, particularly examining how fathers balance work and family life (e.g., Superdads: How Fathers Balance Work and Family in the 21st Century) and cross-national parental leave policies (e.g., Fixing Parental Leave). They have held Fulbright and visiting scholar appointments at institutions in the UK and Sweden.

Recent publications with students analyze evolving attitudes toward marriage structures, polyamory, and gender norms. Articles span interdisciplinary topics in sociology, gender studies, and social policy, reflecting interests in cultural practices, legal rights, and identity politics.