Christopher “Sandy” Jencks (1936–2025) was a sociologist whose work sought to understand the root causes of inequality and the mechanics of economic mobility, particularly with respect to education, poverty, and homelessness. His work tackled some of the biggest social policy issues of the time, exploring the lesser-known effects of income inequality and bringing attention to deficiencies in prior social policy interventions, such as welfare programs and educational reforms.
Jencks was known for his clear and accessible writing style, which many have attributed to his time in journalism. Following stints as an editor at The New Republic and as a fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies, he spent most of his teaching career at his alma mater, Harvard University, where he was renowned for his mentorship of graduate students.
Professional positions
- 1996–2016: Professor of social policy (1996–1998) and Malcolm Wiener Professor of Social Policy (1998–2016), Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
- 1979–1996: Professor of sociology (1979–1990) and John D. MacArthur Professor of Sociology (1990–1996), Northwestern University
- 1967–1979: Lecturer in education (1967–1969), associate professor of education (1969–1973), and professor of sociology (1973–1979), Harvard University
Notable publications
- Jencks, Christopher, and Meredith Phillips, eds. 1998. The Black-White Test Score Gap. Brookings Institution Press.
- Jencks, Christopher. 1992. Rethinking Social Policy: Race, Poverty, and the Underclass. Harvard University Press.
- Jencks, Christopher, with Susan Bartlett, Mary Corcoran, James Crouse, David Eaglesfield, Gregory Jackson, Kent McClelland, Peter Mueser, Michael Olneck, Joseph Schwartz, Sherry Ward, and Jill Williams. 1979. Who Gets Ahead? The Determinants of Economic Success in America. Basic Books.
- Jencks, Christopher, with Marshall Smith, Henry Acland, Mary Jo Bane, David Cohen, Herbert Gintis, Barbara Heyns, and Stephan Michelson. 1972. Inequality: A Reassessment of the Effects of Family and Schooling in America. Basic Books.
- Jencks, Christopher, and David Riesman. 1968. The Academic Revolution. Doubleday.
Degrees
- MEd, Harvard University
- AB, English literature, Harvard University
