J. Michael Ryan

J. Michael Ryan is an award-winning sociologist, academic, mentor, and editor, recognized for his work in social theory, research methodology, cultural sociology, gender and sexuality studies, and the social dimensions of global crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Born in the USA, Ryan has since held academic positions at leading universities across five continents. He is currently a Professor-Researcher (docente-investigador) at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Although he has a Ph.D. in sociology, his work is widely recognized as interdisciplinary. Dr. Ryan’s notable works include The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2nd edition (with George Ritzer and Chris Rojek), the largest major reference work in the history of the discipline of sociology; The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society, 2nd edition (with William Cockerham, et. al.), the largest health related major reference work in the social sciences; and Introduction to Sociology 6th edition (with Ritzer), a leading textbook in the discipline.