Who Is Alice Goffman? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born in 1982, Alice Goffman is currently 43 years old. She gained widespread recognition for her ethnographic research and for authoring the acclaimed book On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City, which provides a captivating insight into the experiences of young African American men in Philadelphia. Goffman's unique approach combines rigorous academic inquiry with compelling storytelling, seeking to illuminate the complexities of social interactions within marginalized communities.
Wikipedia: Alice Goffman
| Occupation | Sociologists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1982 (age 43) |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | |
| Country |
Popularity
Alice Goffman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Alice Goffman stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and maintains a weight of around 130 pounds (59 kg). While specifics regarding her body measurements are not publicly available, Goffman is often noted for her professional demeanor and style.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Alice Goffman is known to keep her personal life private. There is limited information regarding her dating status, as she has not publicly confirmed any relationships or a significant other. Goffman’s focus tends to remain on her academic and social work, with little emphasis on her romantic life.
Goffman is the daughter of sociologist Erving Goffman and sociolinguist Gillian Sankoff, both Canadian immigrants to the United States. Her father died in 1982, soon after her birth. Her mother later married the sociolinguist William Labov in 1993; Labov legally adopted Alice.
Net Worth and Salary
Alice Goffman’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million. This wealth stems from her career in academia, engaging speaking engagements, book sales, and research grants. Although exact figures regarding her salary are not disclosed, university professors and sociologists of her caliber typically earn competitive salaries that contribute to her overall net worth.
Career, Business, and Investments
Alice Goffman is a professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she continues to influence the field through her research and teaching. Beyond her academic role, Goffman participates in various initiatives aimed at social reform and advocacy for marginalized communities. She is also known for her public speaking engagements, where she shares insights from her research and promotes awareness of social justice issues.
Goffman is involved in collaborative research projects, often focusing on the experiences of individuals in disadvantaged neighborhoods, which showcases her commitment to using social science as a tool for change.
In April 2017, after she was offered a position as a visiting professor at Pomona College, an anonymously authored open letter was written calling for Goffman's appointment to be rescinded due to allegations of racism in her work and research methods. The offer was not rescinded.
Social Network
Alice Goffman maintains a professional presence on social media platforms, where she shares insights related to her research interests and societal issues. Her Twitter account is particularly active, offering followers a glimpse into her thoughts and ongoing projects. Engaging with followers, she promotes dialogue around sociology, equity, and justice.
The book continued to gain popularity after Goffman's TED Talk, which has over 2 million views and has been widely circulated online. The talk describes the consequences of incarceration and policing for marginalized young people, calling for an end to mass incarceration and highlighting the need for criminal justice reform.
Goffman's argument that "tough on crime" policing has done more harm than good has resonated with many advocates for reform on social media.
Education
Goffman earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and later obtained her PhD in sociology from Princeton University. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her impactful career, inspiring a new generation of sociologists and researchers.
Alice Goffman (born 1982) is an American sociologist, urban ethnographer, and author mostly known for the fierce controversy that resulted from the publication of her 2014 book On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City.
She was assistant professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and visiting assistant professor of sociology at Pomona College. Though once considered a "star" in the field, Goffman was denied tenure at the University of Wisconsin in 2019 and left academia.
Conclusion
Alice Goffman, at 43, remains a significant figure in sociology, advocating for social change and redefining the narrative around urban life, crime, and community resilience. As she continues her journey in research and advocacy, her work will undoubtedly shape the discussions around social justice for years to come.
