Ruth Braunstein is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut and Director of the Meanings of Democracy Lab. Her research focuses on religion’s role in American political life, particularly exploring how religious morality intersects with citizenship, taxation, and social movements. She holds a PhD and MA from New York University and a BS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Education: PhD in Sociology, New York University (2013) MA in Sociology, New York University (2008) B.S. in Foreign Service, Georgetown University (2003) Research Interests: Braunstein examines contested moral narratives in politics, including Christian nationalism, Tea Party activism, and progressive interfaith organizing. Her current project investigates the moral dimensions of taxation practices in the U.S. Her work bridges cultural sociology with political theory, emphasizing how everyday practices reflect broader ideological struggles. Awards: ASA Religion Section Early Career Award UConn Sociology Department Faculty Mentor Award (2021) Clifford Geertz Best Article Award (2014) AAUW American Fellowship Grants & Labs: Braunstein’s research is supported by the Louisville Institute, SSSR, and UConn. She directs the Meanings of Democracy Lab, exploring how citizens navigate political divides. She has held fellowships at Princeton’s Religion Center and the UConn Humanities Institute. Editorial Roles: She serves on editorial boards for Sociology of Religion , American Sociological Review , and others. She co-edits the Political Power and Social Theory series.
