Dr Sharon Lockyer
Associate Dean – Equality & Diversity (Students) / Reader - Sociology & Communications

Research area(s)

• Critical comedy studies
• Equality and diversity in the cultural and creative industries
• Media controversies
• Media disability studies

Research Interests

Sharon’s research interests fall within the broad areas of mediated culture, critical comedy studies and media controversies. She has written extensively on the ethics and aesthetics of live and mediated comedy in relation to class, gender and disability. She is particularly interested in instances of popular humour and comedy that excite social tension and moral controversy. Her co-edited book (with Professor Michael Pickering) Beyond a Joke: The Limits of Humour and journal article in Sociology Compass (with Michael Pickering) are key texts in critical comedy studies. She is also interested in methodological issues and debates in humour and comedy studies.

Project details

Sharon’s research and public engagement activities have been funded by the British Academy; Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC); School of Advanced Study: University of London; Sir Halley Stewart Trust; Arts Council England (ACE).

Sharon’s research collaborators include a range of stakeholders and communities, such as Brightsparks Comedy Asylum; The Bradgate Mental Health Unit; Big Difference Company; Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust; Beauty & Utility Arts; Funny Women.