I am a researcher and teacher of sociology. My scholarship explores how inequality is reproduced, especially within marginalized groups. I am broadly interested in understanding how social change shapes contemporary gendered identities and practices and my regional focus is India. I earned my PhD in sociology from Syracuse University, as well as graduate certificates in Gender and Women’s Studies and South Asian Studies. My research and teaching interests include inequalities, global sociology, gender and sexuality, social change, sociological theory and qualitative methods.
My book manuscript, “New” Women: Trans Women Remaking Inequality in India, explores the tensions that arise as a marginalized group—transgender women in India—becomes more accepted in society. On the surface, increased acceptance seems positive for trans women, but a deeper look reveals that seemingly progressive change for some trans women can further marginalize other gender non-conforming people, like traditional groups of gender non-conforming hijras. As newer identities emerge, circulate and gain traction globally, it is important to understand how they can be connected to older inequalities, a key way that inequality is reproduced. This book is under contract with Cambridge University Press.
My research explores how inequalities are reproduced. My broad research agenda focuses on understanding the role of global social change in shaping contemporary gendered/sexual identities and practices. I am trained in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. I have been awarded several external and internal grants in recognition of my scholarship, including a Junior Research Fellowship from the American Institute of Indian Studies. My single-author work has been published in the journals Gender & Society, The Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Contemporary South Asia, Development in Practice, and Teaching Sociology. My research agenda focuses on Asia, and my current research is focused on South Asia.
My book manuscript, “New” Women: Trans Women Remaking Inequality in India, explores the tensions that arise as a marginalized group—transgender women in India—becomes more accepted in society. On the surface, increased acceptance seems positive for trans women, but a deeper look reveals that seemingly progressive change for some trans women can further marginalize other gender non-conforming people, like traditional groups of gender non-conforming hijras. As newer identities emerge, circulate and gain traction globally, it is important to understand how they can be connected to older inequalities, a key way that inequality is reproduced. This book is under contract with Cambridge University Press.
My teaching experience includes face-to-face, hybrid, and online (synchronous and asynchronous) courses. I regularly teach courses like: Gender, Power and Social Change in South Asia, Gender and Sexuality in a Transnational World, Gender & Society, De-colonizing Social Theory, Classical Sociological Theory, Sociological Research Methods, Global Social Problems, and Introduction to Sociology. I am working on a new course entitled “Global Inequalities: Decolonizing Caste in India.”
My teaching experience includes face-to-face, hybrid, and online (synchronous and asynchronous) courses. I regularly teach courses like: Gender, Power and Social Change in South Asia, Gender and Sexuality in a Transnational World, Gender & Society, De-colonizing Social Theory, Classical Sociological Theory, Sociological Research Methods, Global Social Problems, and Introduction to Sociology. I am working on a new course entitled “Global Inequalities: Decolonizing Caste in India.”
Please contact me by email: emount AT flagler.edu
Please contact me by email: emount AT flagler.edu
