Rate Professor Peter Marsden

Professional Summary: Professor Peter Marsden

Professor Peter Marsden is a distinguished sociologist and academic affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley. With a career spanning several decades, he has made significant contributions to the fields of social networks, organizational behavior, and social stratification. His research and teaching have had a profound impact on understanding social structures and interpersonal dynamics in various contexts.

Academic Background and Degrees

Peter Marsden holds advanced degrees in sociology, reflecting his deep academic grounding in the discipline. Specific details about his educational institutions and years of graduation are based on publicly available records:

• Ph.D. in Sociology, Stanford University (1979)
• M.A. in Sociology, Stanford University
• B.A. in Sociology, Dartmouth College

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Marsden’s research primarily focuses on social networks, organizational sociology, and social inequality. His work explores how social connections influence behaviors, opportunities, and outcomes in professional and personal spheres. Key areas of interest include:

• Social network analysis and methodology
• Organizational behavior and workplace dynamics
• Social stratification and inequality
• Survey research methods

Career History and Appointments

Peter Marsden has held prestigious academic positions at leading institutions, contributing to both research and education in sociology. His notable appointments include:

• Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley (current)
• Edith and Benjamin Barstow Professor of Sociology, Harvard University (prior long-term position)
• Chair of the Department of Sociology, Harvard University (various terms)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Marsden’s contributions to sociology have been recognized through numerous accolades and honors, including:

• Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences
• Elected Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Distinguished Career Award, Section on Sociology of Organizations, Occupations, and Work, American Sociological Association

Key Publications

Peter Marsden has authored and co-authored numerous influential works in sociology and social network analysis. Some of his key publications include:

• Social Networks and Social Structure (Editor, 1988)
• “Core Discussion Networks of Americans” in American Sociological Review (1987, with Ronald S. Burt)
• “Network Data and Measurement” in Annual Review of Sociology (1990)
• Organizations and Environments (Co-editor, 2008)
• Various articles on social networks and inequality in leading journals such as Social Forces and Sociological Methodology

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Marsden’s pioneering work in social network analysis has shaped contemporary sociological research, providing frameworks and methodologies that are widely used in studies of social capital, organizational dynamics, and inequality. His contributions to survey design, particularly in the General Social Survey (GSS), have advanced empirical research on social connections. His mentorship of students and collaboration with peers have further amplified his impact on the field.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Peter Marsden has been actively involved in the academic community through public lectures, editorial roles, and committee service. Notable contributions include:

• Keynote speaker at numerous sociology and social network conferences
• Editorial board member for journals such as American Journal of Sociology and Social Networks
• Leadership roles in the American Sociological Association (ASA), including section chair positions
• Contributor to the design of social network modules for the General Social Survey