School of Sociology and Social Policy

Research Interests

My research expertise and interests are in the broad areas of labour and equalities, particularly around gender, age, race, religion and/or belief and socio-economic status/social class. I have been particularly keen during my research career to link academic research with practical application and policy implementation and have a strong interest in related policy developments. My research falls into three distinct categories: researching the needs of marginalised communities, particularly in terms of labour market access and progression and business development; evaluating policies designed to assist marginalised communities; developing and implementing training programmes and initiatives designed to assist marginalised communities into work or to set up in business. I was responsible for developing a measurement framework for good relations for the Equality and Human Rights Commission between 2009 and 2010.

Teaching

I have a wide range of teaching experience, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, primarily in social research methods, gender and applied sociology/social policy.

PhD Supervision

I have supervised PhD students to completion in the areas of community based regeneration and social quality.

Key Publications

Books

Wigfield, A. & Turner, R. (2007) Community Regeneration - The Pioneer Way, Sheffield: Consortium of South Yorkshire CVS Organisations

Yeandle, S, Phillips, J, Scheibl, F & Wigfield, A (2004) Line Managers and Family-Friendly Employment: Roles and Perspectives , Bristol: Policy Press

Crompton, R, Dennett, J, and Wigfield, A (2003),
Organisations, Careers and Caring, Bristol: Policy press

Wigfield, A. (2001) Post-Fordism, Gender and Work: Restructuring in the Nottinghamshire Clothing Industry, Aldershot: Ashgate.

Research Reports

Wigfield, A. & Turner, R. (2010) Good Relations Measurement Framework, report no. 60, Manchester: Equality and Human Rights Commission

Wigfield, A. (2008) Attitudes towards work amongst Pakistani and Bangladeshi women in West Yorkshire, Bradford: Learning and Skills Council Yorkshire and Humber.