Who Is Joseph Stiglitz? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Joseph Stiglitz is 82 years old. He was born in Gary, Indiana, and has earned recognition for his critical analysis of economic policies and globalization. Stiglitz was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2001 for his work on the economics of information, which fundamentally changed the way economists view market dynamics. His writings, including books like "Globalization and Its Discontents," continue to resonate with both the academic community and the general public.
| Occupation | Economist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1943 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Gary, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Joseph Stiglitz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight statistics may not be publicly available for Stiglitz, it is known that he maintains a professional appearance. As a prominent figure often involved in public speaking and lectures, his demeanor reflects his meticulous nature and commitment to his work.
After getting his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in 1967, Stiglitz co-authored one of his first papers with Michael Rothschild for the Journal of Economic Theory in 1970. Stiglitz and Rothschild built upon works by economists such as Robert Solow on the concept of risk aversion.
Stiglitz and Rothschild showed three plausible definitions of a variable X being 'more variable' than a variable Y were all equivalent – Y being equal to X plus noise, every risk-averse agent preferring Y to X, and Y having more weight in its tails, and that none of these were always consistent with X having a higher statistical variance than Y �
�� a commonly used definition at the time.
In a second paper, they analyzed the theoretical consequences of risk aversion in various circumstances, such as an individual's savings decisions and a firm's production decisions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joseph Stiglitz was married to Anya Schiffrin, an accomplished journalist, but in 2025, he is reported to be dating a partner whose identity remains private. Stiglitz shares both personal and professional ties with his family, and he takes pride in his two children, whom he often highlights in discussions about wealth distribution, education, and social issues.
His mother was Charlotte (née Fishman), a schoolteacher, and his father was Nathaniel David Stiglitz, an insurance salesman. Stiglitz attended Amherst College, where he was a National Merit Scholar, active on the debate team, and president of the student government.
During his senior year at Amherst College, he studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he later pursued graduate work. In Summer 1965, he moved to the University of Chicago to do research under Hirofumi Uzawa who had received an NSF grant.
He studied for his PhD from MIT from 1966 to 1967, during which time he also held an MIT assistant professorship. Stiglitz stated that the particular style of MIT economics suited him well, describing it as "simple and concrete models, directed at answering important and relevant questions."
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Joseph Stiglitz's net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. His wealth primarily stems from his esteemed career in academia, consulting, and multiple speaking engagements worldwide. His salary as a professor remains competitive, with additional income generated from his bestselling books and advisory roles to governments and organizations.
In 2011, Stiglitz was named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Stiglitz's work focuses on income distribution from a Georgist perspective, asset risk management, corporate governance, and international trade.
He is the author of several books, the latest being The Road to Freedom (2024); People, Power, and Profits (2019); The Euro: How a Common Currency Threatens the Future of Europe (2016); The Great Divide: Unequal Societies and What We Can Do About Them (2015); Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy: An Agenda for Growth and Shared Prosperity (2
015); and Creating a Learning Society: A New Approach to Growth Development and Social Progress (2014).
He is also one of the 25 leading figures on the Information and Democracy Commission launched by Reporters Without Borders. According to the Open Syllabus Project, Stiglitz is the fifth most frequently cited author on college syllabi for economics courses.
Career, Business and Investments
Stiglitz has had a prolific career, having served as a professor at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University. His influence extends beyond academia; he has acted as a chief economist for the World Bank and has advised governments on economic reform. Stiglitz is also known for his involvement in various non-profit organizations aimed at promoting economic justice and reform. His investments often reflect his advocacy for social impact and sustainability.
From 1966 to 1970 he was a research fellow at the University of Cambridge. Stiglitz initially arrived at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge as a Fulbright Scholar in 1965, and he later won a Tapp Junior Research Fellowship at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge which was instrumental in shaping his understanding of Keynes and macroeconomic theory.
In subsequent years, he held academic positions at Yale, Stanford, Oxford—where he was Drummond Professor of Political Economy—and Princeton.
Since 2001, Stiglitz has been a professor at Columbia University, with appointments at the Business School, the Department of Economics and the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), and is an editor of The Economists' Voice journal with J. Bradford DeLong and Aaron Edlin.
Social Network
Joseph Stiglitz is an active presence on several social media platforms, where he shares insights on economic policies, current events, and social issues. His Twitter handle, @JosephEStiglitz, attracts followers eager to engage with his thoughts and opinions. He frequently participates in webinars and conferences, further expanding his reach and influence in both traditional and digital media.
Stiglitz's protector-of-sorts at the World Bank, Wolfensohn, had privately empathized with Stiglitz's views, but was worried for his second term, which Summers had threatened to veto. Stanley Fischer, deputy managing director of the IMF, called a special staff meeting and informed the gathering that Wolfensohn had agreed to fire Stiglitz.
Meanwhile, the bank's External Affairs department told the press that Stiglitz had not been fired; his post had merely been abolished.
Education
Stiglitz holds a Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and earned his Ph.D. in Economics from MIT. His extensive educational background laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking ideas and research. He continues to contribute to academia through teaching and mentoring the next generation of economists.
In conclusion, Joseph Stiglitz, at 82, remains a vibrant figure in the economic world. His personal life, career achievements, and ongoing engagement with contemporary issues showcase a profound commitment to understanding and improving the fabric of society.
Joseph Eugene Stiglitz (born February 9, 1943) is an American New Keynesian economist, a public policy analyst, political activist, and a professor at Columbia University. He is a recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2001) and the John Bates Clark Medal (1979).
He is a former senior vice president and chief economist of the World Bank. He is also a former member and chairman of the US Council of Economic Advisers.
He is known for his support for the Georgist public finance theory and for his critical view of the management of globalization, of laissez-faire economists (whom he calls "free-market fundamentalists"), and of international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
