About Peter H. Rossi
Lived 1921 – 2006 (aged 84). Peter H. Rossi was an American sociologist and university teacher.
Peter Henry Rossi (December 27, 1921 – October 7, 2006) was a prominent sociologist best known for his research on the origin of homelessness, and documenting the changing face of American homelessness in the 1980s. . Rossi’s four laws are:
The Iron Law: Expected net impact of large-scale social programs is zero.
The Stainless Steel Law: Better designed evaluations are more likely to show zero net impact.
The Brass Law: Programs designed to change individuals often result in zero net impact.
The Zinc Law: Only programs likely to fail are evaluated.
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Important facts
Family & relationships
People in Peter H. Rossi's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Peter H. Rossi?
American sociologist (1921–2006)
When was Peter H. Rossi born?
Peter H. Rossi was born on 27 December 1921 in New York City.
When did Peter H. Rossi die?
Peter H. Rossi died on 7 October 2006 in Amherst.
What was Peter H. Rossi's occupation?
Peter H. Rossi was a sociologist and university teacher.
What nationality was Peter H. Rossi?
Peter H. Rossi was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Peter H. Rossi. https://biography.guide/peter-h-rossi/
MLA: "Peter H. Rossi." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/peter-h-rossi/.
Chicago: "Peter H. Rossi." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/peter-h-rossi/.
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