Becky Clarke

Becky Clarke is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University, teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate Criminology and Sociology programs since 2014. Her work bridges academic research with applied justice contexts, focusing on punishment, gender, and systemic inequalities.

Her educational background includes a BA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Manchester (1997-2000), MSc in Forensic Psychology from MMU (2000-2001), and Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice from MMU (2014-2017).

Dr. Clarke's research critically examines gendered/racialized experiences of penal policies, processes of 'othering' and criminalization, and knowledge construction within power structures. She employs collaborative methodologies working with JENGbA, Women in Prison, Clean Break, and the Care Leavers Association, alongside policymakers and NGOs to drive legal and policy interventions.

Her publications consistently analyze how racialized narratives impact joint enterprise prosecutions and how penal policies disproportionately affect women, blending theoretical critique with practical applications for criminal justice reform.

She supervises students including Craig Fletcher (dissertation on The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, completed 2021) and has developed innovative teaching approaches like 'Crim Gogglebox' and 'Classroom in the Community' to connect students with real-world justice issues.

Dr. Clarke maintains significant public engagement through media appearances in The Guardian, The Times, and BBC, and co-commissioned the documentary 'Dangerous Associations' reflecting her research on joint enterprise law and racialization in criminal justice.