Kate Attfield

Kate Attfield is a Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care at the Cardiff School of Education & Social Policy, Cardiff Metropolitan University. She teaches on the Health & Social Care degree programme, bringing extensive professional experience from working in both statutory and third sector health and social care settings.

Dr. Attfield holds a PhD from Cardiff University in Deaf studies, which forms the foundation for her sociological research on inclusive citizenship. Her academic journey has led her to focus on under-researched minority communities, establishing her as a specialist in several niche but significant areas of study.

Dr. Attfield's research interests center on inclusive citizenship with particular focus on underrepresented communities. Her work spans several specialized areas including the experiences of individuals with Triple X syndrome across different life stages, Steiner Waldorf educational approaches, and Deaf community studies. She is particularly interested in how these communities navigate social structures and develop citizenship identities. Currently, she is expanding her research scope to investigate the lived experiences of elite sportswomen with endometriosis and autistic elite athletes, demonstrating her continued commitment to understanding the intersection of health, identity, and social inclusion.

Her publication record reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach that bridges sociology, education, and health studies. A significant portion of her scholarly work examines various dimensions of Waldorf (Steiner) education, including its international growth, humane aspects, spiritual dimensions, and applications in fostering inclusive citizenship. She has also conducted extensive research on Triple X syndrome, examining educational needs, social experiences, and employability across different life stages. Her work consistently addresses issues of inclusion, citizenship, and alternative educational approaches, demonstrating both depth in specific areas and breadth across related fields.

Dr. Attfield is actively involved in academic leadership and service. She serves as University Co-chair of the Deaf and BSL Working Group and Co-chair of the CSESP Research Seminar Series. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she demonstrates commitment to teaching excellence. She supervises PhD, Professional Doctorate, and Doctor of Management students, contributing to the next generation of researchers. Her involvement in the University Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement Committee and her role as University representative for Sustainability and Inclusion highlight her institutional leadership. She has also contributed to Welsh Government education research projects focused on inclusion in state education, demonstrating the policy relevance of her work.