Joseph Merry

Joseph J. Merry is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Furman University. He joined the university in 2015 after earning his Ph.D. and M.A. from The Ohio State University (2015 and 2012, respectively) and a B.A. from John Carroll University (2010). His research focuses on three core areas: the sociology of education, sibling effects on long-term social outcomes, and inequality beliefs. He teaches courses on education, social class, research methods, and quantitative analysis. Merry collaborates with institutes like the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and advises student research fellows.

Merry’s research on education examines schools' societal roles, including private tutoring and seasonal learning patterns. His work on sibling effects explores relationships, trust, and political beliefs. His inequality research investigates public attitudes toward economic disparities and meritocracy. Notable publications include studies on sibling dynamics and divorce likelihood, summer learning loss replication challenges, and early childhood socioeconomic impacts.

He has received awards such as the 2016 Research Paper Award (Asia and Asian America Section, ASA) and the Stevenson Graduate Student Paper Award. His work spans international collaborations, including studies in Finland and the Czech Republic. Merry actively engages with Furman’s academic community through interdisciplinary projects and student mentorship.