Jenny van Hooff

Dr Jenny van Hooff is a Reader in Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University, specializing in contemporary intimacies and personal relationships. She co-directs the Contemporary Intimacies, Sexualities, and Genders (CISG) Research Group and holds roles as an external examiner for multiple universities. Her research focuses on couple dynamics, friendships, dating apps, and masculinities, employing qualitative methods such as interviews and discourse analysis.

Van Hooff earned a First Class BA in History and Sociology from the University of Manchester, followed by an MA in Social Research Methods, a PhD in Sociology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the British Sociological Association.

Her work challenges societal underestimation of ordinary relationships, exploring topics like midlife intimacy, relationship breakdown, and digital dating practices. Key publications include Modern Couples? (2013) and articles on co-residency post-breakup and toxic friendships. She has contributed to media discussions on relationships for outlets like The Guardian and BBC Radio 4.

• External Examiner Roles: Lancaster University (2023-27), UCL (2022-26), and others.
• Awards: Shortlisted for the Sociological Review Award (2018) and BSA SAGE Prize (2016).
• Labs/Teams: CISG Research Group, focusing on evolving personal relationships and sexualities.