Kam Meakin

Kam Meakin serves as a Doctoral Tutor and Associate Tutor in Film Studies within the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities at the University of Sussex. Currently completing their PhD in Gender Studies (Humanities) in Media, Film and Music, their research focuses on the complex relationship between contemporary UK social movements and feminist, dystopian and utopian representations in television and film.

Their scholarly interests encompass a wide interdisciplinary spectrum:

• Social movement theories and non-violent action studies
• Dystopian fiction and utopian studies
• Intersectionality, critical race theory, and prison abolition
• Queer and feminist theories with gender studies
• Biopolitics/necropolitics frameworks
• Film and television studies with science fiction analysis

Kam's research examines how dystopian visual fiction critiques oppressive governmental structures and how themes of resistance are re-appropriated by activists challenging neoliberal discourses. Their methodological approach combines historical archives of social movements from the 1970s onward with interviews of activists involved in feminist, queer, anti-racist, anti-fascist and anti-austerity movements, alongside analysis of social movement educational resources and contemporary dystopian fiction.

Notable scholarly recognition includes:

• AHRC CHASE Doctoral Studentship Award (2018-2020)
• Prize for Best Social Sciences Postgraduate Dissertation, University of Hull (2015)
• Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Central European University (2014)

Kam has presented research at prestigious international venues including UC Berkeley, Birkbeck University, and Freie University Berlin, with publications examining connections between political activism and dystopian narratives across multiple social justice issues. Their teaching portfolio includes undergraduate courses such as 'Culture and the Everyday,' 'Debates in Media Studies,' and 'Questioning the Media,' reflecting their commitment to engaging students with contemporary media and political issues.