Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on the role of social structures in markets. Michael views markets as social structures that encompass social networks and market identities, both of which shape economic opportunities. Within this broad theoretical framework, he focuses mainly on social status, initially theorized as positions in social structure, but more recently also theorized as an important aspect of market identities. Current projects explore the importance of status and identity in the opera and movie industries. Michael received his MA in Philosophy and Business Economics from Aarhus University, Denmark, and his PhD in Management and Organizations from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA.