Dr. Manuel Pastor

Biography

Manuel Pastor is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California (USC), where he also serves as the inaugural holder of the Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change. He obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1984. Pastor's work concentrates on economic, environmental, and social conditions affecting low-income urban communities. He is the Director of the Equity Research Institute (ERI) at USC, promoting public sociology that informs policies aimed at achieving racial, economic, environmental, and social justice. His diverse research interests include urban poverty, regional economies, environmental justice, labor markets, and social movements. He has received various prestigious grants and has published extensively, contributing to a better understanding of the complex intersections among these disciplines. His publications focus on the divergent impacts of economic policies and the necessity of inclusive approaches to growth and equity, making him a prominent figure in social justice discourse. Pastor's extensive involvement in academic and community initiatives demonstrates his commitment to advocating for systemic changes to improve the lives of marginalized populations.

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Awards