Caley Horan, an assistant professor of history at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has dedicated her research to studying the intersection of commerce and uncertainty in modern American life. Her work sheds light on how commerce has shaped American society and how individuals navigate uncertainty in their daily lives.
Horan’s interest in this topic stems from her own experiences growing up in a small town in rural Wisconsin. She witnessed firsthand the impact of economic changes on her community, which sparked her curiosity about the role of commerce in shaping society.
In her research, Horan focuses on the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the United States. She examines how the rise of consumer culture and the expansion of markets affected different groups of people, including women, immigrants, and African Americans.
One of Horan’s most notable studies is her book, “Risk and Ruin: Enron and the Culture of American Capitalism,” which explores the infamous Enron scandal and its implications for American society. In this book, Horan delves into the culture of risk-taking and uncertainty that permeated the business world in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She argues that Enron’s collapse was not just a result of corporate greed, but also a reflection of the larger societal values and attitudes towards risk and uncertainty.
Horan’s research has also shed light on the role of women in the early 20th century economy. In her article, “The Business of Beauty: Women, Work, and the Beauty Industry in Early Twentieth-Century America,” she examines how women entered the workforce through the beauty industry, challenging traditional gender roles and contributing to the growth of consumer culture.
Her work has been widely recognized and has earned her numerous awards and fellowships, including the prestigious Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship. She has also been invited to present her research at conferences and universities around the world, further solidifying her reputation as a leading scholar in her field.
Horan’s research not only sheds light on the past, but also has important implications for our present and future. In today’s society, where uncertainty and risk are ever-present, her work provides valuable insights into how individuals and society as a whole can navigate these challenges. It also highlights the need for a critical examination of the role of commerce in shaping our lives and the importance of understanding its impact on different groups of people.
As a professor, Horan is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and passion for history with her students. She teaches courses on American economic and business history, as well as courses on gender and sexuality in American history. Her classes are known for their engaging and thought-provoking discussions, as she encourages her students to think critically about the past and its relevance to the present.
In addition to her research and teaching, Horan is also involved in various public outreach initiatives. She has collaborated with museums and historical societies to bring her research to a wider audience and has also written for popular media outlets such as The Atlantic and The Washington Post.
Horan’s work has not only contributed to the field of history, but also has important implications for other disciplines such as economics, sociology, and gender studies. Her research challenges us to think critically about the role of commerce in our lives and how we can navigate uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, Caley Horan’s research on commerce and uncertainty in modern American life is both timely and relevant. Her work not only provides valuable insights into the past, but also has important implications for our present and future. As a leading scholar in her field, Horan’s work will continue to shape our understanding of the role of commerce in shaping society and how we can navigate uncertainty in our daily lives.
