Matilda White Riley

Matilda Riley White

Matilda White Riley (April 19, 1911 – October 14, 2004) was an American sociologist who made significant contributions to the field of aging and the life course. She is best known for her pioneering work in the sociology of aging and her role in establishing the field of social gerontology.

Early Life and Education

Matilda White Riley was born on April 19, 1911, in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her B.A. from Radcliffe College in 1931 and later received her Ph.D. in sociology from Harvard University in 1943.

Academic Career

Riley began her academic career at Rutgers University, where she served as a professor of sociology. She later joined the faculty at Bowdoin College, where she became the first woman to hold a full professorship. Her work at Bowdoin was instrumental in developing the college's sociology program.

Contributions to Sociology

Riley's research focused on the sociology of aging, the life course, and the impact of social structures on individual lives. She introduced the concept of "age stratification," which examines how different age groups are treated within society and how this affects their opportunities and experiences.

Age Stratification Theory

The age stratification theory posits that society is divided into different age strata, each with its own roles, expectations, and opportunities. This theory has been influential in understanding how aging affects individuals differently based on their social context.

Life Course Perspective

Riley also contributed to the development of the life course perspective, which looks at how individual lives are shaped by historical and social contexts. This perspective emphasizes the importance of timing, transitions, and social change in understanding human development.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Riley received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to sociology and gerontology. She was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and received the Robert W. Kleemeier Award from the Gerontological Society of America.

Legacy

Matilda White Riley's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of sociology and gerontology. Her theories and research continue to influence studies on aging and the life course. She is remembered as a pioneering figure who helped to establish the sociology of aging as a respected field of study.

Selected Publications

• Riley, M. W., Johnson, M. E., & Foner, A. (1972). Aging and Society: An Inventory of Research Findings. Russell Sage Foundation.
• Riley, M. W. (1987). Social Change and the Life Course. Annual Review of Sociology.

See Also

• Gerontology
• Life course theory
• Age stratification
• Sociology of aging