Irene Rafanell

Irene Rafanell is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Department of Sociology. Her work focuses on the sociology of the body, social theory, and feminist theory, with an emphasis on post-structuralist approaches to gender and sexuality. She holds a PhD in Social Sciences from the University of Edinburgh (2004) and has maintained active research collaborations within the Science Studies Unit and the Center for Families and Relationships. Her current research explores the constitutive power of social sanctioning mechanisms in shaping collective behavior, particularly among youth, and investigates the interplay between micro and macro social phenomena.

Her research agenda includes re-conceptualizing sociological oppositions like nature/society and structure/agency through social constructionist frameworks. Notable contributions include analyzing caste oppression dynamics and re-examining Durkheim’s theories through a performative lens. Rafanell’s interdisciplinary work bridges sociology, philosophy, and gender studies, with a focus on embodied social practices. She is currently developing a book based on her PhD research and holds an affiliated position at Paisley University to advance studies on youth, health, and family relationships.

Her academic activities include organizing workshops on Judith Butler’s legacy, presenting at major conferences (BSA Annual Conference, University of York), and co-authoring papers with scholars like Hugo Gorringe and Gill Haddow. Though no specific awards are listed, her work has been disseminated through peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Sociology), conference proceedings, and university working papers.

Rafanell’s research methodologies emphasize empirical analysis of social sanctioning processes and the step-by-step construction of social realities through interaction. Her work challenges traditional sociological binaries, advocating for frameworks that highlight the contingent and contextual nature of individual and structural interactions.