Paul Lichterman

Paul Lichterman is Professor of Sociology and Religion at USC, studying how civic groups address social problems amid inequality. His research examines cultural dimensions of political engagement, religious community service, and collective identity formation.

Lichterman develops theoretical frameworks to understand how advocacy groups navigate social divisions and build collaborative relationships. His ethnographic work compares religious community service groups responding to welfare policy reforms.

Recent publications analyze housing justice movements in Los Angeles, examining how activist coalitions craft claims and develop strategic responses to urban inequality. His methodological innovations include action-centered approaches to studying social movement organizations.