Jeffrey Swindle researches violence, gender, race, migration
Jeffrey Swindle, who studies gender violence, race and migration, has joined the faculty in UC Irvine’s Criminology, Law and Society Department as an assistant professor.
In his first quarter on campus, he’s teaching a course on law and inequality, exploring how legal systems intersect with issues of immigration, race and gender.
"I care really deeply about gender equality," Swindle says, highlighting one of his primary research interests. His work examines how international organizations and activists promote ideas about gender equality across various countries, including Malawi.
Swindle's research extends beyond gender issues. He's also investigating the global spread of ideas that justify violence and social inequality, with a particular focus on the United States and El Salvador.
In a recent Boston Globe article, Swindle challenged claims made by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele regarding migration trends. Using data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Swindle demonstrated that changes in migration from El Salvador largely mirror those of neighboring countries, contradicting Bukele's assertions about the effectiveness of his public security approach.
"In the face of a complex immigration situation, misleading narratives like Bukele's can be tempting for U.S. politicians," Swindle writes, cautioning against the uncritical adoption of such narratives in policymaking.
Before joining UCI, Swindle was a college fellow and lecturer at Harvard University's Department of Sociology. His academic prowess is evident in his impressive publication record, with 16 academic journal articles already to his name. His paper on the global diffusion of cultural ideas about violence against women, published in the American Sociological Review, has garnered multiple awards.
Swindle has a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan, a MPhil in development studies from the University of Cambridge and a B.S. in sociology from Brigham Young University.
As Swindle settles into his new role at UCI, he brings not only his academic expertise but also a passion for outdoor activities. An avid snowboarder and skateboarder, he plans to add surfing to his repertoire, embracing the California lifestyle.
— Mimi Ko Cruz