Dr. Rachel Kranton

Biography

Rachel Kranton is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Economics at Duke University, where she has been a faculty member since 2007. Her research primarily focuses on how institutions and social settings affect economic outcomes. She is well-known for developing theories related to networks and introducing concepts in identity economics. One of her notable contributions, in collaboration with George Akerlof, is the development of a general framework for understanding social norms within the context of identity economics, which is critical for analyzing labor markets, social interactions, and economic decision-making. Kranton’s work also explores microeconomics, economic development, and industrial organization, accentuating the importance of identity and social networks in shaping economic relationships and behaviors. She has received significant funding for her research and continues to influence the field through her published works. As a Faculty Research Scholar at Duke Population Research Institute, she has participated in various projects that examine social influences on financial decision-making and the complexities of public goods and social interactions.

Research Interests