Preston Rudy

Assistant Professor

Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Current Research Activities

I’m interested in how work and the labor movement have been changed by neoliberal policies that have promoted unfettered markets. These policies have made employment more precarious for more workers. With my students, we examined work at Walmart, and currently I’m engaged in interviews to explore the experience of university instructors who are working under contingent contracts.

Research Connections to Current Events

My teaching in particular, has led me toward examining work and employment, not only because it is close at hand for most students, but also because it is a rich sociological topic through which we can explain many other aspects of society.

Personal Connections to Research

Exploring contingent work not only fits my long-term research interests, but also is a topic that offers opportunities to include it in my teaching and work with students.