Suzanne Staggenborg

Suzanne Staggenborg is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on social movements, political sociology, environmental sociology, and qualitative methods. She holds a PhD from Northwestern University (1985), an MA from Washington University (1979), and a BA from Miami University (1977).

Staggenborg’s work examines grassroots environmental activism, abortion politics, and coalition-building in social movements. Her book Grassroots Environmentalism (2020) explores challenges faced by local groups opposing fracking and promoting sustainability. She has served as Chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh (2012–2019) and McGill University (2005–2008).

Her research highlights strategic challenges in environmental movements, gender dynamics in activism, and the interplay between social movements and political opportunity structures. Awards include the John D. McCarthy Award (2019) and grants from the National Science Foundation and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

• Education:
  • PhD, Sociology, Northwestern University, 1985
  • MA, Sociology, Washington University, 1979
  • BA, Sociology and Psychology, Miami University, 1977
• Key Awards:
  • John D. McCarthy Award (2019)
  • Member, Sociological Research Association (1997)
• Professional Service:
  • Editorial boards for Mobilization, Social Movement Studies, and others
  • Co-editor, Cambridge University Press Series on Contentious Politics