Jacob Astley

Jacob Astley is a PhD student and part-time lecturer at the University of Liverpool, affiliated with the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology. He is an ESRC NWSSDTP Postgraduate Research Student and has been a seminar leader for the SOCI320 The Risky Society: Crime, Security and Public Policy module since January 2022.

• Education
  • BA (Hons) Archaeology and Ancient History (First Class), University of Leicester (2016-2019)
  • MSc Criminology (Distinction), University of Leicester (2019-2020)
  • PGCE 14+ (Distinction), University of Bolton (2021-2022)

Jacob’s research focuses on the intersection of extremist ideologies, toxic online environments, and masculinity studies, particularly how incels and misogynistic-driven violence challenge traditional categorizations of extremism. His work examines the normalization of extremist attitudes through digital socialization and the ideological convergence of disparate extremist movements.

His publications and presentations (2021-2023) reflect trends in Criminology and Digital Sociology, emphasizing the online-offline nexus, radicalization, and gendered dimensions of extremism. Jacob has contributed to projects for the EU H2020 DRIVE Project, Home Office, and Welsh Government.

• Scientific Awards
  • Arnold Wycombe Gomme Prize (University of Leicester, 2019)
  • Criminology in Practice Best Student Prize (University of Leicester, 2020)
  • Distinction in MSc Criminology (University of Leicester, 2020)
  • Distinction in PGCE 14+ (University of Bolton, 2022)

Jacob collaborates with supervisors Professor Sandra Walklate, Professor Gabe Mythen, and Dr Laura Zahra McDonald (ConnectFutures). He has engaged in multi-agency safeguarding research in Wales and contributed to European criminology conferences on extremism.