Who Is Donald J. Harris? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on August 23, 1938, Donald J. Harris is a prominent Jamaican-American economist known for his extensive contributions to the field of economics and public policy. As of 2025, Harris is 86 years old. He has gained recognition not only for his academic achievements but also for being the father of Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States. His intriguing life history includes growing up in Jamaica and later moving to the United States, where he pursued higher education and a successful career in academia.
| Occupation | Presidents |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1938 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Brown's Town, Jamaica |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Jamaica |
Popularity
Donald J. Harris's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Donald J. Harris maintains a dignifying presence reflective of his academic stature. While specific measurements such as height and weight have not been publicly disclosed, he is often seen in photographs that convey an air of elegance and professionalism.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Donald J. Harris has had a significant personal life shaped by his relationships. He is the father of Kamala Harris and has contributed to her upbringing and values. Currently, information regarding his dating or relationship status as of 2025 is limited. However, he has previously been married to Shyamala Gopalan, with whom he shares two daughters, Kamala Harris and Maya Harris. His family background reveals deep intellectual roots, with his daughters following in the path of public service and academia.
Donald Jasper Harris, (born August 23, 1938) is a Jamaican-American economist and emeritus professor at Stanford University, known for applying post-Keynesian ideas to development economics.
He was a scholar granted tenure in the Stanford Department of Economics, and he is the father of Kamala Harris, the 49th vice president of the United States and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, and of Maya Harris, a lawyer, advocate and writer.
Net Worth and Salary
As an accomplished economist and former professor, Donald J. Harris has accumulated a notable net worth over the years. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is between $1 million to $5 million. This wealth stems from his extensive career in education, as well as various investments throughout his life. While specific salary details are not publicly available, his professional role at Stanford University and other affiliations likely contributed significantly to his financial success.
Harris's 1978 book Capital Accumulation and Income Distribution critiques mainstream economic theories, using mathematical modeling to propose an alternative model for thinking about the effects of capital accumulation on income inequality, economic growth, instability, and other phenomena.
He has worked extensively on analysis and policy regarding the economy of Jamaica. He served in Jamaica, at various times, as economic policy consultant to the government and as economic adviser to successive prime ministers.
In 2021, he was awarded Jamaica's Order of Merit, the country's third-highest national honor, for his "contribution to national development".
Career, Business and Investments
Donald J. Harris' career spans several decades, primarily focused on economics. He served as a professor at Stanford University, where he taught and conducted research in economics, particularly in the areas of Caribbean economies and development. Harris has also published various academic papers and contributed to numerous economic discussions, establishing himself as a voice of authority in his field. His investments and involvement in various business initiatives have further solidified his reputation in economics and academia.
Harris grew up in the Orange Hill area of Saint Ann Parish, near Brown's Town and graduated from Titchfield High School in Port Antonio. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University College of the West Indies (then part of the University of London) in 1960, and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley in 1966.
His doctoral dissertation, Inflation, Capital Accumulation and Economic Growth: A Theoretical and Numerical Analysis, was supervised by econometrician Daniel McFadden.
Social Network
In today’s digital landscape, public figures often engage with audiences through social media. While Donald J. Harris may not be the most active on platforms such as Twitter or Instagram, he is occasionally mentioned in the context of discussions about economics, family legacies, and global issues regarding economics. His daughter, Kamala Harris, maintains an active social media presence, which sometimes highlights their family background and achievements.
Harris is said to work in the tradition of Post-Keynesian economics. He has acknowledged the works of Joan Robinson, Maurice Dobb, Piero Sraffa, Michal Kalecki, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Joseph Schumpeter, and W. Arthur Lewis as influences upon his work.
Education
Donald J. Harris boasts an impressive educational background that laid the foundation for his successful career. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the West Indies and later pursued graduate studies in economics at Columbia University, where he received his PhD. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to economic theory and policy, influencing students and peers alike throughout his career.
Harris was raised in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, earning a bachelor's degree from the University College of the West Indies and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. He held professorships at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and University of Wisconsin-Madison before joining Stanford University as professor of economics.
