Alec P. Rhodes is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Faculty Affiliate of the Center for Aging Families and Center on Aging and the Life Course at Purdue University. He studies economic inequality and mobility, with a focus on credit, wealth, and debt; labor markets; and social policy. A large part of his research agenda focuses on the causes and consequences of household debt and wealth inequality across the life course including among older adults. With colleagues, he has examined how wealth, debt, and other economic resources shape the health and wellbeing of aging families. His research has been published in the American Sociological Review, the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, and the Journals of Gerontology among other outlets. Dr. Rhodes' research connects to all three of CAF's research themes on the changing demography of aging families, aging family health, and health disparities in aging families. Dr. Rhodes will participate in CAF's Emerging Scholars program during 2027-26, when he will study children's intergenerational income mobility and aging parents' health.
