Dr. Jocelyn Viterna

Biography

Jocelyn Viterna is a Professor of Sociology at Harvard University and a Faculty Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. With her extensive background and deep engagement in the academic study of gender, reproduction, and political mobilization, she has made significant contributions to understanding the dynamics of violence and development in Latin America. As Chair of the Committee on Degrees in Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, she plays a crucial role in shaping academic discourse and research in these fields. Viterna’s scholarship examines the intersections of social theory with empirical studies, addressing the complexities of gender and its impact on societal structures. Her work emphasizes the importance of political contexts in shaping gender roles and rights, and she has often explored how social movements mobilize around issues of gender and justice. An active researcher, she is currently on leave and affiliated with the Harvard Academy as a Senior Scholar, where she continues to explore her research interests in depth.

Research Interests