Lauren A. Rivera

About the Author

Lauren A. Rivera is a distinguished sociologist and author whose work illuminates the intricate dynamics of social inequality and elite institutions in contemporary America. With a keen eye for the unspoken rules that govern access to power and privilege, she draws on extensive fieldwork and rigorous analysis to reveal how meritocracy often masks deeper biases. Her groundbreaking book, Pedigree: How Elite Students Get Elite Jobs, offers a compelling examination of recruitment practices at top firms, exposing the role of pedigree in perpetuating class divides. As an associate professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Rivera continues to influence discussions on diversity, equity, and the hidden curricula of success, making complex sociological insights accessible to a broad audience.