Dr. Sophie Woodward

Biography

Sophie Woodward is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Manchester, with a focus on material culture and everyday life. Her work employs a range of creative research methods and is particularly interested in the materiality of everyday life, feminist theory, and the sociological implications of consumption. Woodward has a rich interdisciplinary background, having studied Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, followed by a Master’s in Research Methods from the University of York, and a PhD in Social Anthropology (Material Culture) from University College London. Since joining the University of Manchester in 2009, she has contributed significantly to the field, co-directing the Morgan Centre for Everyday Lives and serving as Vice-Director of the National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM). Her ongoing research includes the 'Dormant Things' project, exploring unused items in domestic spaces. Woodward is also involved in interdisciplinary projects that challenge and expand the understanding of air and atmospheres in relation to inequality. Additionally, she has published books and articles addressing qualitative research methods and feminist theory, and she mentors PhD students in related areas. Her scholarly contributions are shaping contemporary debates in Sociology, particularly around the intersections of materiality and social relations.

Research Interests