Dr Sharon Lockyer
Honorary Reader

Research area(s)

• Sociology of popular culture
• Sociology of media and communications
• Sociology of humour and comedy
• Critical comedy studies
• Media controversies
• Media disability studies
• Social Science research methodologies
• Innovative pedagogies

Research Interests

Sharon’s research interests fall within the broad areas of the sociology of popular culture, 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 that laid the foundation for critical comedy studies. She is also interested in issues and debates in humour, comedy and social science research methods.

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.