An intersectional analysis of coupledom, singledom and feminine subjectivity
My research project is on the gendered construction of singledom/coupledom in relation to feminine subjectivity. More specifically it will investigate how individual gendered subjectivities are constructed by and produced through cultural and media discourses surrounding the organisation of intimate life. Examining the transformation of intimacy hypothesis, the research aims to explore the extent to which normative femininity is reliant on ‘compulsory coupledom’, how femininity is influenced (or threatened by) being single, and how this is intersected with other identity categories such as race, age, class, embodiment and sexuality. I also intend to examine what forms of intimate citizenship exist for those who identify as outside the single/couple dualism. My research is being fully funded by the ESRC.
Supervisors: Dr Shani Orgad and Dr Leticia Sabsay
I completed an MSc in Gender (Distinction) at the LSE’s Gender Institute in 2014. I was also awarded the annual prize for best performance on the Gender MsC degree programme. My time at the Gender Institute inspired my desire to continue my academic career and undertake a PhD. I have a Dual Honours BA in English and History from the University of Sheffield (2001), as well as a Graduate Diploma in Law (2005) from BPP Law School London. I completed a short course in gender and social development at the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy at SOAS, University of London (2010). I have had two submissions published on the LSE Gender Institute blog, Engenderings. The first examined the transformation of intimacy, heteronormativity and media portrayal of coupledom. The second submission is an analysis of the US 2016 presidential election through the lens of ‘public intimacy’ and affect. I also have more than 15 years’ experience as a sub-editor/production editor on a range of national and international publications. This includes several years as a freelance sub-editor and writer. Outside of my career commitments, I have volunteered for several gender-rights based charities and NGOs in the UK, Central America and South East Asia, advising on communications, policy and law.