Notables in the world of political and social sciences were on hand June 2 when the American Academy of Political and Social Science celebrated the recipient of the 2011 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize: Diane Ravitch.
Ravitch is being honored with the Moynihan Award for her long career of distinguished work on urban education both as a researcher and as a public official. In both capacities she has been able to synthesize and apply social science research on education in a way that is useful to academics and policy-makers alike. Ravitch is a national figure in the debate about the American school system, having published 10books, countless articles, and many opinion pieces. She currently serves as research professor of education at New York University.
“Diane Ravitch has devoted her life and career to furthering educational research,” said Doug Massey, president of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. “For the Academy to recognize her efforts with the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize seemed natural, as she exemplifies the late senator’s spirit of influencing policy and social change through the use of rigorous academic research.”
The award was established in 2007 as a tribute to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Moynihan served as a fellow of the American Academy of Political and Social Science and the prize honors those who champion the use of informed judgment to improved public policy and advance the public good.
This year’s event serves as a unique opportunity to honor Sen. Moynihan as it will take place at the future site of Moynihan Station at 421 8th Avenue (currently, the Farley Post Office). Additionally, the academy inducted new fellows into their ranks. New inductees included:
Six new fellows also were inducted:
Manuel Castells (University of Southern California, Los Angeles)
Andrew Cherlin (Johns Hopkins University)
Susan Fiske (Princeton University)
Richard Freeman (Harvard University)
Rogers Smith (University of Pennsylvania)
Eric Wanner (Russell Sage Foundation)
