Who Is Michael Parenti? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Michael Parenti, born on September 30, 1933, is a prominent American academic, political activist, and writer, renowned for his critical analysis of political issues and media. As of 2025, he is 91 years old. Throughout his career, he has produced numerous books and articles that address social injustice, capitalism, and imperialism, establishing himself as a key figure in contemporary political thought. Parenti's thoughts and analysis resonate with audiences worldwide, proving his timeless relevance in the field.
| Occupation | Political Scientist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1933 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Michael Parenti's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding his height and weight are not publicly disclosed, Michael Parenti is often described as having a sturdy presence befitting his extensive and impactful career. As an intellectual and public figure, his demeanor reflects the wisdom and experience garnered over decades of engagement in political discourse.
Because of his research for the book To Kill a Nation: The Attack on Yugoslavia (2001) and his travel in the war-torn region shortly after the NATO bombing, Parenti was interviewed in Boris Malagurski's documentary film The Weight of Chains (2010) and its sequel The Weight of Chains 2 (2014) about the former Yugoslavia.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding his personal life, Michael Parenti has kept much of his family and relationship status private. He is known to have had deep relationships with family members who supported his academic and activist endeavors. However, as of 2025, there is no confirmed information about a romantic partner or spouse, which aligns with his history of prioritizing his work and intellectual pursuits over public personal relationships.
Michael Parenti was raised by an Italian-American working-class family in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City. After graduating from high school, Parenti worked for several years. Upon returning to school, he received a BA from the City College of New York, an MA from Brown University and a Ph.D. in political science from Yale University.
In recent decades, he has made his home in Berkeley, California. He is the father of Christian Parenti, an academic, author and journalist.
Net Worth and Salary
Michael Parenti's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million as of 2025. This wealth is accrued through his extensive writing career, including books, speaking engagements, and participation in educational seminars. His continued relevance as a speaker and educator in the field of political science also contributes to his ongoing earnings.
Following completion of his doctorate, Parenti taught political and social science at various institutions of higher learning, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UI). In May 1970 while he was an associate professor at UI, he participated in a rally protesting the recent Kent State shootings and ongoing Vietnam War.
At the rally he was severely clubbed by state troopers and then held in a jail cell for two days. He was charged with aggravated battery (of a state trooper), disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. After being released on bond, he started a new teaching job at the University of Vermont (UVM) in September.
The next month he returned to Illinois to stand trial before a judge. Despite multiple witnesses exonerating Parenti, the judge found him guilty on all three counts. Here's how he describes what happened next: "In June 1971 I returned to Illinois for sentencing.
Because I was already employed outside the state and because a host of academic lights from around the country had sent in appeals on my behalf, I was saved from having to do time. Instead, I was given two years probation, a fine, and ordered to pay court costs."
Career, Business, and Investments
Michael Parenti's career spans several decades, during which he has published numerous influential works, including titles like "Democracy for the Few" and "The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome." As an author, lecturer, and political commentator, he is renowned for his critical take on capitalism and his advocacy for social justice.
In terms of investments, details about his specific engagements in business or capital markets are not publicly available. Parenti's primary focus has remained within academia and political activism, rather than conventional business ventures.
This incident effectively ended Parenti's career as a professor.
In December 1971, after his UVM department voted unanimously to renew his teaching contract, the UVM board of trustees and conservative state legislators intervened and voted to not renew, citing Parenti's "unprofessional conduct." The battle over his continued presence on the UVM faculty lasted into early 1972, but ultimately he lost his position
there.
Social Network
Michael Parenti is considered an influential figure within academic and activist circles. Although he may not be active on all social media platforms, he has a dedicated following on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where he shares insights into political events and engages with followers on relevant topics.
Parenti continued his exploration of mass media in Make-Believe Media: The Politics of Entertainment (1992).
The book dissects numerous popular movies and TV programs which, in Parenti's view, "have propagated images and themes that support militarism, imperialism, racism, sexism, authoritarianism, and other undemocratic values." He describes what he believes is a pattern of unflattering portrayals of working-class people and trade unions, and he disputes
the notion that the major studios are "giving audiences what they want." In his Foreword to Matthew Alford's 2010 book Reel Power: Hollywood Cinema and American Supremacy, Parenti reiterated several of the points from Make-Believe Media.
Other leftist writers have been influenced by his media critiques.
Education
Parenti's dedication to education is evident in his academic pursuits. He has a rich educational background, having received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. His academic training significantly informs his analytical approach to political issues and contributes to the depth of his published work.
Michael John Parenti (born September 30, 1933) is an American political scientist, academic historian and cultural critic who writes on scholarly and popular subjects. He has taught at universities as well as run for political office. Parenti is well known for his Marxist writings and lectures, and is an intellectual of the American Left.
