Arlie Russell Hochschild is an American sociologist known for her work on emotions and social behavior. She gained prominence for her research on the concept of emotional labor, which refers to the management of feelings to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job. Her influential books, such as The Managed Heart, explore how emotional labor affects workers, particularly in service industries. Hochschild has also studied the dynamics of family life and the impact of gender roles on personal relationships. Her research highlights how societal expectations shape individual experiences and emotions, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human interactions.