Joya Misra, distinguished professor of sociology and public policy, has been selected by the American Sociological Association (ASA) as the 2026 recipient of the Jessie Bernard Award.

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The Jessie Bernard Award is given annually in recognition of scholarly work inclusive of research, teaching, mentorship, community-building, and/or service that has enlarged the horizons of sociology to encompass fully the role of women in society. It is presented for significant cumulative work done throughout a professional career that demonstrates broad feminist impact, and is open to people of all genders and is not restricted to sociologists.

Misra will be honored along with other award winners during a ceremony at the ASA Annual Meeting, to be held Aug. 7-11 in New York City.

“The Jessie Bernard Award is reserved for those who have truly enlarged the horizons of sociology,” the ASA notes. “By combining rigorous scholarly innovation with an enduring ethic of care, Joya Misra has done precisely that, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of our discipline.”

Misra’s research has fundamentally shaped how scholars understand gender, race and class within social policy. Using an intersectional lens, she has documented how welfare state policies produce different outcomes across race and class, with influential work on gender and care work in comparative perspective.

Beyond her scholarship, Misra, who served as president of the ASA in 2024, was also recognized for her extraordinary commitment to mentorship. Her nomination was led by a group of 14 current and former students, who describe her as tireless in supporting junior scholars. Over the years, she has guided dozens of dissertation and capstone committees and created practical resources, including graduate job market seminars shared through Sociologists for Women in Society, which have helped demystify the profession for a generation of sociologists.

The full announcement of Misra’s selection for the award can be found on the ASA website.