Michael Sauder

Michael Sauder is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Sociology at the University of Iowa. His research focuses on the sociology of organizations, culture, inequality, and social and political organization. He holds a PhD from Northwestern University.

His work explores the unintended consequences of accountability measures, particularly through his 2016 co-authored book Engines of Anxiety: Educational Rankings, Reputation, and Accountability, which received multiple awards including the Shelton Prize and Clifford Geertz Prize. Current research investigates the sociological dimensions of luck and its role in shaping inequality.

Key contributions include studies on rankings' impact on institutions, organizational metrics, and public health initiatives. He serves as editor of Contemporary Sociology and has held visiting fellowships at institutions like Harvard University and the Obermann Center for Advanced Study.

• Awards: Shelton Prize, Clifford Geertz Prize, ASA Section Awards
• Professional Roles: Chair-Elect of ASA's Organizations, Occupations, and Work Section
• Key Projects: Sociology of luck, evaluation systems, and health policy implementation

His interdisciplinary approach bridges organizational theory, culture studies, and policy analysis, with practical applications in healthcare and education reform.