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Dr Steven Threadgold

Work Phone (02) 4921 5919
Email
Position Lecturer
School of Humanities and Social Science
The University of Newcastle, Australia
Office W317, Behavioural Science

Biography

Steven Threadgold is Head of Discipline, Sociology and Anthropology, in the School of

Humanities and Social Sciences at University of Newcastle. He was convenor of the TASA

Sociology of Youth thematic group from 2011 to 2013 and Academic Editor of Youth Studies

Australia in 2011-12.

Steve’s research interests focus on inequality and youth, especially the interplay between

class, risks and governmental discourses. He is especially interested in new forms of cultural

and symbolic capitals that shape inequalities both within nation states and between them.

Recent research projects have investigated the recruitment and experiences of young Balinese

in the global cruise ship industry; the emergence of DIY subcultural careers; and a longitudinal

study that is investigating whether the ambitions some young Australians nominated in

high school have come to fruition, whether the obstacles they identified have blocked their

progress towards life goals and the unforeseen ‘game changing moments’ in their lives.

His latest work analyses the ways floating signifiers such as ‘hipster’ and ‘bogan’ elicit the

formations of class distinctions in youth cultures whilst eschewing the very notion of class.

Qualifications

  • PhD (Sociology/Anthropology), University of Newcastle, 2009
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Newcastle, 2002
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Newcastle, 2001

Research

Research keywords

  • Class
  • Inequality
  • Reflexivity
  • Risk
  • Social theory
  • Sociology
  • Transitions
  • Youth

Research expertise

Sociology of youth; socio-economic inequality; social and cultural theories of class; risk, individualisation and reflexivity; consumerism; popular music and popular culture; media; sport; environmental issues; social theory, in particular the works of Pierre Bourdieu.

Fields of Research

Code Description Percentage
160800 Sociology 100

Centres and Groups

Centre

    Memberships

    Committee/Associations (relevant to research).

    • Member - The Australian Sociological Association

    Editorial Board.

    • Editor - Youth Studies Australia

    Awards

    Recognition.

    2012 Well Regarded Lecturer Award
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    Student vote
    2011 Well Regarded Lecturer Award
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    student vote
    2009 Excellence Award for Teaching
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    School of Humanities and Social Science Excellence Award for Teaching 2009
    2009 Research Higher Degree Publications Award
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    School of Humanities and Social Science Research Higher Degree Publications Award 2009
    2008 Student Forum Nomination for 'Lecturers of High Regard'
    Un (Australia)
    Humanities and Social Sciences Student Forum Nomination for 'Lecturers of High Regard' 2008
    2003 Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) Ph.D. Scholarship 2003-2006
    2003 University Medal
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    University Medal 2003
    2001 Summer Vacation Undergraduate Honours Scholarship
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    University of Newcastle Summer Vacation Undergraduate Honours Scholarship 2001-2002
    2001 Pro-Vice Chancellor's Award
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    Pro-Vice Chancellor's Award 2001
    2001 John Docker Prize for Cultural Studies
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    John Docker Prize for Cultural Studies 2001
    2000 Dean's Award
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    Dean's Award 2000
    1999 Dean's Commendation List
    University of Newcastle (Australia)
    Dean's Commendation List 1999

    Invitations

    Should I pitch my tent in the middle ground?" A Reflexive Response to Woodman's Middling Tendency in Youth Sociology
    he Australian Sociological Association (TASA), Australia (Conference Presentation - non published.)
    		2009
    Stumbling towards Collapse: Health Implications
    TASA Conference Health Day, Australia (Conference Presentation - non published.)
    		2009
    Youth, Habitus and Perceptions of Risk
    The Australian Sociological Association (TASA), Australia (Conference Presentation - non published.)
    		2008

    Teaching

    Teaching keywords

    • Consumerism
    • Popular Culture
    • Social Theory
    • Society and Culture
    • Youth Sociology

    Teaching interests

    I have taught in the following courses:

    • Society and Culture: A Sociological Introduction
    • Social Analysis: Key Perspectives in the Social Sciences
    • Health Sociology
    • Social Science Research Methods
    • Applied Social Research Project 
    • Youth Culture and Risk
    • Popular Culture and Society
    • Communication and Culture
    • Contemporary Popular Music: Cultural Production and Use
    • Music and Culture
    • Introduction to Politics
    • Foundations of Modern Politics
    • International Relations
    • Democracy and the Politics of Equality
    • Politics Policy and Government
    • Global Power and World Order

    Courses

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