Sarah Harkness

Sarah Harkness is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her work bridges social psychology and structural inequality, focusing on how status, morality, and stigma are shaped by gender and race. She is actively involved in research centers including the Center for the Study of Group Processes and the Center for Social Science Innovation.

Research Interests:

• Social Psychology of Inequality
• Gendered and Racialized Status Beliefs
• Moral Emotions and Social Inequality
• Health Stigma and Identity
• Intersectionality and Quantitative Methods

Her collaborative research with Steven Hitlin explores how societal levels of inequality influence the moral emotions experienced by individuals—suggesting that more unequal societies generate harsher, sanctioning moral judgments, while more equal societies foster inclusive, positive moral bonds. Though no publications are listed in the provided text, her research agenda indicates a strong theoretical and empirical focus on micro-macro linkages in social life.

Scientific Awards:

Sarah Harkness advises graduate students in sociology and criminology and contributes to interdisciplinary training through programs such as the Certificate in Social Science Analytics. She has not received any listed awards in the provided material. Her research is supported through institutional affiliations and likely grant funding, though specific grants are not mentioned.

Labs and Research Teams:

• Center for the Study of Group Processes
• Center for Social Science Innovation
• Collaborative research program with Steven Hitlin on Morality and Inequality