School of Sociology and Social Policy

Laura Baldwin

PhD | 2010-2013

Background
Originally from Hull, I moved to Leeds in 2002 to study for a BA (Hons) in Media and Popular Culture and graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2005. I continued straight onto an MA in Sociology of Contemporary Culture at the University of York which I completed in 2006.

Why I choose the University of Leeds
It was during the last year of my undergraduate degree that I began to consider continuing in academia and was thoroughly encouraged to do so by my tutors. Having studied at two other universities in Yorkshire, and having become quite settled living in Leeds, I knew that I didn’t want to move too far away to undertake my PhD. Leeds has a fantastic reputation for Sociology and a thriving research centre and was recommended to me on a number of occasions.

Area of study
I have worked in a variety of temporary roles in Leeds and have first hand experience of the insecurity and uncertainty this type of employment can have on young people in particular, and their ability to plan for the future. Given the recent global recession, escalating house prices and tuition fees, the pressures of consumerism and high rates of youth unemployment, I feel that young people are becoming increasingly disadvantaged and denied the stability and also the clarity that was afforded to their parent’s generation. This is something that is rarely acknowledged and I hope that my study can contribute in its own way, to reigniting the debate on contemporary capitalism and its effects on individual lives.

Research interests
My study is called ‘Permanently Temping?’ and is an investigation into the effects of contemporary neo-liberal capitalism on the working lives and experiences of young temporary workers.  My key aim is to examine the political, economic and social changes which have occurred in the last 30 years, particularly the changes in the labour market, such as deregulation, flexibilization and the increase of short term and temporary contracts. By conducting interviews with young people who are employed as ‘temps’ I hope to find out how they feel about the work they do, their experiences of ‘temping’ and youth labour markets , as well as how this impacts outwardly on their personal identity, their ambitions, relationships and plans for the future.

The School of Sociology and Social Policy
The facilities in the school are great, I was very impressed with being shown around the Postgraduate Suite that is available for research students although I have to admit, as I live on the Leeds/Bradford border I tend to work at home most of the time.

The School of Sociology appears to be a really large and thriving research environment and everyone I have met thus far has been very welcoming and friendly. The support of my supervisors has been fantastic, they are both approachable if I have any problems and always offer really honest and constructive feedback and guidance at supervision meetings. 

Based on my experiences so far I would highly recommend the school, the support and facilities on offer are fantastic and it is a great place to come and study.  

Outside of study
I really enjoy keeping fit and going running or to classes such as spinning and aerobics as it is a great stress reliever! I am also really into baking and knitting, in fact, myself and a couple of friends (who are also research students in the school) meet up regularly to knit, share tips and generally have a bit of a catch up!

City life
I absolutely adore Leeds, it really is such a vibrant and diverse city and a really great place to come and study. I love the fact that you have such a buzzing city centre but yet you are only 30 minutes away from beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Personally, I feel really settled here and I can’t ever imagine moving anywhere else.

Based on my experiences so far I would highly recommend the school, the support and facilities on offer are fantastic and it is a great place to come and study.

The future
I always envisaged continuing to a career in academia and at the moment I feel this is still my ultimate aim, although I will explore all options before making a final decision!

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