William (Buddy) Scarborough

Dr. William (Buddy) Scarborough is primarily interested in using research to diagnose and address social problems, especially by examining how local context creates conditions that exacerbate or reduce inequality. Dr. Scarborough enjoys his work because it gives him opportunities to help remove factors that harm people's lives. In his book, Gendered Places, he measures the multidimensional nature of local gender norms across U.S. commuting zones and identifies how they shape patterns of gender inequality. He has also spent considerable time studying longitudinal changes in individuals' attitudes and their effects on the cultural foundations of racism and sexism. His ongoing collaborative work examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender and racial inequality, as well as different facets of structural racism and local forms of racial inequality in Chicago. His current research focuses on the relationship between structural racism and racial disparities in homelessness. His research has been cited in proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives and is often used in policy documents. He regularly provides briefings to policymakers and comments to journalists writing about social issues. He also conducts research that receives less public attention but advances sociological theory.

Additionally, Dr. Scarborough is the Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Advisor for the Department of Sociology. In these roles, he supports students as they complete their graduate degrees and pursue their academic goals. He loves working with students at UNT because the university fosters a culture of kindness, collaboration, and creativity. If you are interested in our graduate programs, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Scarborough.