Dr. Ben Mechen

Assistant Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Ben Mechen. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Ben Mechen is a social cultural historian specializing in modern Britain. His work focuses on the histories of gender, sex, and sexuality in late twentieth-century Britain, particularly the meanings ascribed to gendered sexual health, happiness, and freedom within pop culture, politics, and commerce. His research journey began with a PhD at University College London, which led to a series of articles and a monograph published by University of California Press. In 2024, he will co-edit a collection titled 'Men and Masculinities in Modern Britain: History and Present' for Manchester University Press. His current research also encompasses gender history and sexuality, examining the impact of mid-to-late twentieth-century psychoanalysis on various fields, including business psychology and feminist LGBT+ activism. Recently, he has ventured into modern environmental history, collaborating on a project regarding the ecological history of the European timber trade, leading to important publications. Ben's teaching roles span multiple institutions, including UCL, University of Bristol, and King’s College London. He holds a BA and MA in History from UCL.

Research Interests