[16] Burawoy was born in England on 15 June 1947; his parents had fled Russia and Ukraine, met as students in Leipzig (both having doctorates in chemistry) and arrived in Britain in 1933.

[6] He was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Christ's College, Cambridge, graduating with a degree in mathematics in 1968,[17] before going on to pursue postgraduate study in the newly independent African nation of Zambia while simultaneously working as a researcher for Anglo American PLC.

[21] The Dean of Social Sciences, Raka Ray, remarked that "Burawoy's impact on sociology is monumental" adding that "his national and international presence alongside his tireless dedication to Berkeley, makes him a pillar of our community.

[22] The citation read that "Burawoy's work has contributed enormously to our ability to grasp the social world", and described his advocacy for public sociology as "a critical intervention in the field".

[27] The British Sociological Association described Burawoy as "a truly remarkable scholar" and noted that his "brilliant scholarship reshaped our understanding of industrial labour and its broader social impact".

[28] The Sociological Review Foundation, in a statement by Professor Michaela Benson, described Burawoy as "a scholar who inspired generations of colleagues from around the world through his scholarship, public engagement and warmth".

[24] The Economic Sociology and Political Economy global academic community, in a eulogy by Oleg Komlik, referred to Burawoy as "preeminent, inspiring, and brilliant sociologist, and above all, an extraordinary and gentle human being...

He did it through his immense intellectual power, groundbreaking research [...], resolute commitment to dialogue across disciplines and borders, moral spirit, exceptional communication and organizational talents, and remarkable personal generosity."