He studied under David Riesman, Erik Erikson, and Oscar Handlin at Harvard, graduating with his Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization[5] in 1969.

[6] His intellectual life as an urbanist came into focus during the time he spent as a fellow of the Joint Center for Urban Studies of Harvard and MIT.

[7] Sennett's scholarly writing centers on the development of cities, the nature of work in modern society, and the sociology of culture.

The Hidden Injuries of Class is a study of class consciousness among working-class families in Boston; The Corrosion of Character explores how new forms of work are changing our communal and personal experience; Respect probes the relation of work and reforms of the welfare system; and The Culture of the New Capitalism provides an overview of these changes.

[citation needed] Sennett is working on a project called 'Homo Faber,' exploring material ways of making culture.