Patrick G Heller

Patrick G Heller is the Lyn Crost Professor of Social Sciences at Brown University, with dual appointments in the Department of Sociology and the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. He serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Development at the Watson Institute and teaches courses including Theory and Research in Development, Recent Sociology Theory, and Globalization and Social Conflict. His academic career spans multiple institutions including Columbia University and the University of Durban-Westville.

• PhD, University of California, Berkeley (1994)
• MA, University of California, Berkeley (1988)
• BA, University of California, Santa Cruz

Heller's research focuses on the comparative study of social inequality and democratic deepening, with particular emphasis on Brazil, India, and South Africa. His work examines how democratic institutions and practices can promote more inclusive development through studies of urban transformation, social movements, decentralization, and state transformation. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in these regions, combining qualitative and quantitative methods including spatial analysis of post-apartheid cities.

His publication record shows a clear trajectory from early work on Kerala, India to broader comparative studies of democratic deepening across the Global South. Recent publications (2019-2023) increasingly address democratic backsliding and authoritarian populism while maintaining focus on spatial dimensions of inequality and citizenship. His research bridges political sociology, development studies, and urban geography with strong methodological diversity including survey research, spatial analysis, and comparative case studies.

• Barrett Hazeltine citation for outstanding teaching (2003)
• Chancellor's Dissertation-Year Fellowship, UC Berkeley
• John L. Simpson Scholarship, UC Berkeley
• American Institute of Indian Studies Fellowship

Heller has secured significant research funding including a $459,621 NSF grant for 'Remaking the Apartheid City' (2005-2008), World Bank funding for participatory budgeting evaluation in Brazil (2003-2004), and Ford Foundation support for decentralization research in India (2001-2002). His advising work focuses on development studies, with particular emphasis on urban transformation and democratic deepening in the Global South. He has built collaborative research networks across Brazil, India, and South Africa, including partnerships with the Centre for Policy Research in India.