Rachel Heiman

Rachel Heiman is an esteemed Associate Professor of Anthropology at The New School, where she delves into the intricate relationships between habits, sentiments, and everyday life amidst the backdrop of cultural, political, and economic transformations. She earned her PhD and MA in Anthropology from the University of Michigan, following a BA in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her academic journey has been marked by a profound commitment to understanding the nuances of human behavior and societal shifts. Heiman is the author of the critically acclaimed book "Driving After Class: Anxious Times in an American Suburb" (2015), which offers a penetrating look into the anxieties and aspirations of suburban life in America. Additionally, she co-edited "The Global Middle Classes: Theorizing through Ethnography" (2012), a work that explores the complexities of middle-class identities across the globe through ethnographic lenses. Her current research is centered on the notions of propriety, place, and domestic ideals in the United States, with a particular focus on the efforts to retrofit suburbia for sustainability. This work reflects her broader interest in urban anthropology and sustainability, as she seeks to understand how communities adapt to and resist change in their environments. Throughout her career, Heiman has been recognized for her scholarly contributions and has held prestigious visiting scholar positions at the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe, the Russell Sage Foundation, and the Stanford Humanities Center. These experiences have enriched her research and teaching, allowing her to bring diverse perspectives to her students and colleagues. In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Heiman serves as the Chair of the Urban Studies Program and the Coordinator of Prior Learning for the Bachelor's Program for Adults & Transfer Students at The New School. Her leadership in these roles underscores her dedication to fostering an inclusive and dynamic academic environment that supports lifelong learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.