Richard C. Fording

About the Author

Richard C. Fording is a distinguished political scientist and author whose work explores the intersections of race, poverty, and public policy in contemporary America. With a career spanning academia and research, Fording has delved into how neoliberal ideologies shape social welfare systems, particularly through mechanisms of control and discipline. His seminal book, Disciplining the Poor: Neoliberal Paternalism and the Persistent Power of Race (Chicago Studies in American Politics), co-authored with leading scholars, examines the racial dimensions of welfare reform and criminal justice policies, revealing enduring inequalities in the American social fabric. Fording's insightful analyses challenge conventional narratives, offering a critical lens on the persistence of structural racism and the paternalistic approaches that perpetuate it. As a professor and researcher, he continues to influence debates on equity and justice, advocating for policies that address systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.