Miriam Shakow

Miriam Shakow is a Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology from Harvard University (2008) and specializes in cultural anthropology with a focus on Bolivia, indigenous studies, and social class formation.

Her research interests span Cultural Anthropology, Sociocultural Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Climate Justice, Environmental Anthropology, Ethnicity and Race Studies, and Latin American Politics. Dr. Shakow examines how middle class identities intersect with indigenous heritage in Bolivia, exploring questions of citizenship, social mobility, and political culture in the context of 21st century Latin American democracies. Her work analyzes the role of digital media, beauty culture, and everyday practices in shaping political subjectivities among Bolivia's new middle classes.

Dr. Shakow's publication record reveals a consistent focus on Bolivian society, particularly examining the complexities of middle class formation, indigenous identity, and democratic politics. Her research demonstrates how pluralistic frameworks of citizenship operate within contexts of deep social inequality, with particular attention to gendered dimensions of social mobility and political participation. She has made significant theoretical contributions to understanding the intersections of race, class, and citizenship in post-neoliberal Latin America.

• TCNJ Academic Innovation Award (2023)
• Support of Scholarly Activities (SOSA) Award (2023)

Dr. Shakow has secured significant research funding, including a $1.2 million NJDEP grant for developing campus, school, and municipal food waste composting programs (2020-2022). She actively mentors students through independent studies, senior theses, and research courses in anthropology. Beyond her teaching and research, she serves as Coordinator of the Environmental Studies Minor (2018-2024) and as a Committee Member for the Environmental Studies Major (2024-present) and the Environmental Sustainability Council (2021-present).

Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical environmental initiatives, demonstrating commitment to both theoretical innovation and community engagement through her leadership in sustainability programs and research on climate justice.