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Ryan Gibson

Assistant Professor
Faculty Fellow
Office: Sociology, McConnell Hall Rm 341E, Durham, NH 03824
Websites:

Dr. Ryan Gibson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Faculty Fellow at the Carsey School of Public Policy, and founder of the Inclusion and Innovation (InNova) Lab at the University of New Hampshire.

Dr. Gibson's research explores how being part of a group shapes our judgments, focusing on how racial and ethnic diversity alter perceptions of justice, equity, and inclusion/exclusion. Dr. Gibson's work in this area has appeared in flagship sociology journals, including Social Psychology Quarterly, Ethnic and Racial Studies, and Social Forces. Ongoing projects include applications of justice research across various domains, including business, healthcare, the environment, and criminal justice.

Prospective Graduate Students: Are you fascinated by how group dynamics and diversity drive perceptions of fairness and belonging? Ready to explore the intersection of social justice and modern environments? In the InNova Lab, you’ll dive into exciting research using innovative tools like surveys and online experiments to reveal how people assess fairness and inclusion across real-world settings—business, healthcare, criminal justice, and beyond.

Recent PhD Placements: Northeastern University (’23)

Courses Taught

  • SOC 530: Race and Racism
  • SOC 595: Independent Reading & Research
  • SOC 636: Sociology of Justice
  • SOC 697: SpcTop/Social Psych of Justice

Education

  • Ph.D., Emory University
  • M.A., Emory University
  • B.A., Kennesaw State University

Research Interests

  • Perceptions of justice
  • Quantitative methodology
  • Race and racism
  • Social identity
  • Social psychology

Selected Publications

  • Brewer, K. B., Gibson, R., Tomar, N., Washburn, M., Giraldo-Santiago, N., Hostos-Torres, L. R., & Gearing, R. E. (2024). Why Culture and Context Matters: Examining Differences in Mental Health Stigma and Social Distance Between Latino Individuals in the United States and Mexico.. J Immigr Minor Health, 26(2), 278-286. doi:10.1007/s10903-023-01550-w

  • Hawks, K., Hegtvedt, K. A., Gibson, R., Johnson, C., & Zion, J. (2024). Pathways to Legitimacy for Black and White Authorities: Impressions of Competence and Warmth. Social Psychology Quarterly, 87(1), 84-105. doi:10.1177/01902725231162068

  • Johnson, C., Gibson, R., Hawks, K., & Hegtvedt, K. A. (n.d.). Emotional Benefits of Leader Legitimacy. Social Psychology Quarterly. doi:10.1177/01902725231199720

  • Gibson, R. (2022). Does the perception of discrimination impact Asian American boundaries? An analysis of group threat and closure ideology. ETHNIC AND RACIAL STUDIES, 45(12), 2362-2389. doi:10.1080/01419870.2021.2015417

  • Hegtvedt, K. A., Johnson, C., Gibson, R., Hawks, K., & Hayward, J. L. (2022). Power and Procedure: Gaining Legitimacy in the Workplace. SOCIAL FORCES, 101(1), 176-201. doi:10.1093/sf/soab103

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  • Most Cited Publications