Claudia Goldin is an American economic historian and labor economist. She is famous for being the Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University. In a groundbreaking achievement, she was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in October 2023 for her pioneering contributions to understanding women's labor market outcomes, making her the first solo female recipient of the award. Her research spans various domains, including female labor force dynamics, the gender wage gap, income inequality, technological change, education, and immigration. Goldin's work often provides historical context for contemporary issues, and her latest book, "Career & Family: Women's Century-Long Journey toward Equity" (Princeton University Press), was published on October 5, 2021.
Claudia Goldin, a distinguished American economic historian and labor economist, holds the Henry Lee Professor of Economics position at Harvard University. In a historic achievement, she received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in October 2023, making her the first solo female laureate, for her pioneering contributions to understanding women's labor market outcomes.
Claudia Goldin was born on May 14, 1946, in New York City, New York, USA. Claudia Dale Goldin is her birth name. By nationality, she is American and she belongs to American-White ethnicity. She was born to a Jewish family. Her father, Leon Goldin (1918—2011), held a position as a data processing manager at Burlington Industries, while her mother, Lucille Rosansky Goldin (1919—2020), served as the principal of P.S. 105 in the Bronx. Raised in the Parkchester housing complex in the Bronx, she initially aspired to be an archaeologist, then considered bacteriology. Her academic journey led her to Cornell University, where she pursued a B.A. in economics after completing a summer school microbiology course at Cornell during high school.
Claudia later enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at the University of Chicago, initially focusing on industrial organization but eventually embracing labor economics and economic history under the guidance of Gary Becker and Robert W. Fogel. Her doctoral dissertation explored slavery in US antebellum cities and southern industry, culminating in her PhD in 1972.
Claudia Goldin's illustrious academic career began after graduate school when she started teaching at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Her journey took her to Princeton University in 1972 and later to the University of Pennsylvania in 1979, where she attained the status of a tenured full professor. Notably, in 1990, she broke ground as the first woman to receive tenure in the economics department at Harvard University. Goldin has maintained her affiliation with the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) since 1978.
Her influence extends beyond academia, as she served as the president of the American Economic Association in 2013/14 and the president of the Economic History Association in 1999/2000. Her numerous fellowships include prestigious organizations like the American Academy of Political and Social Science, the Society of Labor Economists, the Econometric Society, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences. In recognition of her contributions, she has received several honorary doctorates from institutions like the University of Nebraska, Lund University, the European University Institute, the University of Zurich, Dartmouth College, and the University of Rochester.
Goldin's editorial roles encompass her tenure as an editor for the Journal of Economic History from 1984 to 1988 and her role as the editor of the NBER Long-term Factors in Economic Development Monograph Series from 1990 to 2017. Notably, she initiated the Undergraduate Women in Economics (UWE) Challenge in 2015, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, to investigate and address the underrepresentation of women among undergraduate economics majors through a randomized controlled trial involving multiple institutions.
Claudia Goldin is an economic historian and labor economist whose net worth is estimated to be $5 million in 2023. Her primary source of wealth derives from her career as the Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University. With an annual salary of approximately $1 million, she leads a modest lifestyle at present.
Claudia Goldin is a married woman, having exchanged vows with her husband, Lawrence F. Katz. Lawrence played a supportive role in Claudia's journey, which ultimately led to her receiving a Nobel Prize, and they both share the pride of this accomplishment. Lawrence F. Katz is Elisabeth Allison Professor of Economics at Harvard University and a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. The duo is blessed with two children. The family is enjoying their present life a lot.
Their current canine companion, Pika, has garnered considerable acclaim for achieving top honors in competitive scenting, received rigorous obedience training for competitions, and has also served as a therapy dog offering comfort and companionship to residents at a nearby nursing home.
Claudia Goldin is an esteemed professor, standing at an elegant height of 1.68 meters (168 centimeters). Her slim physique and attractive personality reflect her grace, while her well-maintained body weight complements her character, embodying a healthy and vibrant demeanor.
Claudia Goldin is a distinguished professor at Harvard University. She is a renowned economist and an expert in labor economics and gender economics. Her research has made significant contributions to our understanding of the gender wage gap, human capital, and the changing dynamics of the labor market. As a faculty member at Harvard University, she has had a profound influence on both students and colleagues, and her work continues to shape the field of economics and inform public policy discussions on issues related to gender equality and labor markets.
She serves as a remarkable role model for women in academia, inspiring and empowering them to break through the glass ceiling and pursue their scholarly ambitions. Her achievements and dedication to her field demonstrate that gender should never be a barrier to success in the academic world. Through her accomplishments, she encourages other women to shatter stereotypes and persevere in their academic journeys, serving as a beacon of hope and proof that they too can make significant contributions to their chosen fields.
In addition to her impressive credentials, she has also served as a past president of the American Economic Association. This leadership role highlights her esteemed position within the field of economics and underscores her significant contributions to the profession. As a former president of such a prominent organization, she has likely played a pivotal role in shaping the direction and priorities of the American Economic Association, further solidifying her reputation as a respected figure in the field.
Lawrence F. Katz, the husband of Claudia Goldin, is also an accomplished economist and professor. He holds the prestigious Elisabeth Allison Professor of Economics position at Harvard University and is also a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. His extensive expertise and research contributions have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the field of economics.