Morgan Centre for Research into Everyday Lives

Description

The Morgan Centre is internationally recognised as a leading research institution in the fields of personal life, relationships, and everyday life. It comprises a dynamic group of researchers dedicated to pioneering empirical and theoretical advancements, as well as innovative methodologies for investigating the intricacies and complexities of contemporary social dynamics.

The Centre's research encompasses a wide range of topics related to intimacy, relationships, and personal life. It is attuned to the broader societal changes within contemporary societies. Recent studies hosted by the Centre have explored cutting-edge subjects such as civil partnerships and same-sex marriage, the implications of assisted reproductive technologies on kinship, and the growing prevalence of shared living arrangements.

Key themes that intersect throughout their work include sexuality, gender, life-course, and generation. Their research draws from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, reflecting their rich methodological influences. The Centre has proudly hosted two consecutive 'Nodes' of the ESRC's esteemed National Centre for Research Methods, underscoring their strong methodological focus.

The Morgan Centre is situated in the Department of Sociology within the School of Social Sciences. Their members boast diverse disciplinary backgrounds encompassing social policy, social work, human geography, cultural studies, gender studies, anthropology, socio-legal studies, biology, and psychology. They actively collaborate with colleagues from various disciplines and research centres, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and joint research projects. International visitors are warmly welcomed on a regular basis.

Their teaching portfolio comprises undergraduate courses in the following areas:

• Sociology of Personal Life.
• Sociology of Family and Intimacy.
• Gender, Sexuality and Culture.
• Self and Society.
• Power and Protest.
• Reproduction and New Medical Technologies.
• Sociology of Fashion.

They also offer undergraduate and postgraduate methods courses, including a master's program in Creative Methods. In addition, they provide research methods training for postgraduate students and staff. Members eagerly encourage students interested in conducting PhD research within their areas of expertise to contact a member of the Morgan Centre, providing an outline of their proposed research.

As part of their commitment to knowledge dissemination and practical application, they actively engage with policymakers, practitioners, professionals, and community groups. This includes sharing their expertise in qualitative research with voluntary organisations, collaborating with local councils, housing associations, private sector organisations, and charities (such as Crisis and Shelter) to promote successful shared housing initiatives, and working with family lawyers, charities, and user groups to influence policies impacting families with children conceived through donor eggs or sperm. Members also communicate the experiences of families with donor-conceived children directly to individuals in similar situations through leaflets and videos.

The Morgan Centre is named in honour of Professor David Morgan, acknowledging his significant contributions and lifelong dedication to the sociology of families and relationships. Initially known as the Morgan Centre for the Study of Relationships and Personal Life, they changed their name to the Morgan Centre for Research into Everyday Lives in 2014 to reflect the expanding scope of their research interests. David remains a respected and inspiring member of the Centre.

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No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL