Clarissa Rile Hayward


Professor of Political Science

Contact Information
Media Contact

Hayward is a political theorist whose research and teaching focus on questions central to understanding and evaluating political life: “What is social power, and how does it shape human freedom?” “What does democratic government entail, and what are its practical and institutional implications?” “How do social actors create and maintain identities?” Unlike theorists who attempt to answer such questions by relying exclusively on what Rawls called “ideal theory,” Hayward approaches these problems by examining their concrete manifestations, writing theoretical work that is grounded in the analysis of institutions and practices.

In the media

Stories

‘Ferguson’ inspired generation of activists, political leaders

‘Ferguson’ inspired generation of activists, political leaders

Clarissa Rile Hayward, a professor of political science in Arts & Sciences and an expert on social movements, said that Michael Brown’s death forced law enforcement agencies around the country to grapple with the racism within their departments and led to an uptick in activism and political engagement.
The first 100 Biden/Harris days

The first 100 Biden/Harris days

Faculty experts from across Washington University in St. Louis draw upon their research, their instruction, their experience and their thought leadership to proffer insight and ideas for the new administration, the new beginning.
Michael Bloomberg is not our savior

Michael Bloomberg is not our savior

The loopholes in our campaign financing laws will continue to advantage billionaires like Michael Bloomberg. But the outcomes of our elections should be not be shaped by the power of his checkbook.
Close the Workhouse campaign gains momentum

Close the Workhouse campaign gains momentum

Jailing people accused of low-level and nonviolent crimes while they wait for their day in court is morally bankrupt. St. Louis should join Los Angeles and other cities shifting their policies to end cash bail. St. Louis should close the Workhouse.

Hayward selected for ethics fellowship at Harvard

Clarissa Rile Hayward, associate professor of political science in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, has been selected for the 2017-18 Fellows-in-Residence program at the Edmund J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University.

WashU Expert: Advice to activists

Clarissa Rile Hayward, an associate professor of political science who studies the politics of power and resistance to power, offers advice for activists and others mobilizing to fight possible attacks on progressive programs during the Trump Administration.