Dr. Matthew Sparkes

Biography

Matthew Sparkes is an Associate Teaching Professor at the University of Cambridge, based at the Cambridge Research Methods Centre (CaRM) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research primarily examines the relationship between financialization, personal debt, and social inequality, with a particular focus on how policies shape borrowing practices and social outcomes. He investigates how debt interacts with neoliberal reforms, contributing to changing patterns of class, culture, and gender dynamics. Matthew has widely published on sociology of debt, housing, and credit using quantitative and qualitative methods. His recent work analyzes the impact of credit scoring systems on access to housing and employment and the challenges faced by 'mortgage prisoners'. He has contributed to the academic community as a peer reviewer and has spoken at numerous conferences, bringing his findings into public debates, including presenting at a Parliamentary Briefing. He convenes important courses such as Global Social Problems and Sociology Dissertations and has chaired research ethics committees. With a PhD in Sociology from the University of York and a background as a Debt Advisor, Matthew integrates practical insights with academic rigor in his work. His research aims to advance sociological theory and generate insights that have real-world policy implications.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards