Isabel Crowhurst

Dr. Isabel Crowhurst is a Reader in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Essex. Her research focuses on non-normative sexual practices and intimate lives, examining how these are shaped by socio-economic dynamics and negotiated in everyday experiences. She leads two primary research strands: the regulation of commercial sex and intimate citizenship regimes in Europe. Recently, she investigates the intersection of sexual and economic citizenship through fiscal treatment of commercial sex and financial inclusion of marginalized populations.

Her research interests span gender and sexuality, sex work studies, fiscal sociology, and comparative methodologies. She co-coordinates the European Sociological Association Sexuality Research Network and founded the Routledge book series ‘Interdisciplinary studies in sex for sale’.

Dr. Crowhurst supervises multiple PhD students in sociology and criminology. She has received grants including 'Sex Work & Financial Exclusion' (ESRC IAA) and 'Challenging urban sex workers’ multiple exclusions' (Academy of Medical Sciences).