Professor Sandra Portocarrero’s research explores how people and organisations sustain or alleviate inequality, with a particular focus on employees and entrepreneurs who carry stigmatised social identities. Using field methods such as in-depth interviews, surveys, and participant observation, Professor Sandra Portocarrero has conducted research with workers at the U.S. Department of State, and organisations in the United States and Latin America. In her work, she engages with and extends theories of relational expertise and status. 

In her latest projects, Professor Sandra Portocarrero examines the economic and social life of undocumented entrepreneurs in California and of asylum seekers living in shelters in New York City who are starting their own businesses. 

Professor Sandra Portocarrero earned her Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.A. in Sociology at Columbia University and her B.A. in Sociology (high honours) at the University of California, Berkeley. 

Visit her website to learn more about upcoming talks and current projects 

View CV (PDF)

Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Faculty Research Group