Jessica Johnson

Dr. Jessica Johnson is an Associate Professor in Social Anthropology and African Studies at the Department of African Studies and Anthropology, University of Birmingham. Her academic journey includes a PhD (2013), BA (Hons), and MPhil from the University of Cambridge, followed by a Research Fellowship at Peterhouse College. She joined the University of Birmingham in 2016, completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) in 2018, and served as Head of Department from 2021 to 2024.

• Education: PhD (Cambridge), MPhil (Cambridge), BA (Cambridge), PGCHE (Birmingham)

Her research focuses on Southern Africa, particularly the intersection of gender, law, and social relations in Malawi. She has conducted extensive fieldwork (2009-10, 2015, 2022-23) exploring matrilineal systems, gender justice, and feminist anthropology. Additional interests include legal anthropology, development studies, and postcolonial cultural practices.

Key publications include the monograph In Search of Gender Justice: Rights and Relationships in Matrilineal Malawi (2018) and co-edited volumes such as Pursuing Justice in Africa (2018). Her work has appeared in the Journal of Southern African Studies, Africa, and Review of African Political Economy. She served as Editor (2018-2021) and current Editorial Board member of the Journal of Southern African Studies.

Scientific Awards

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2018–present)

She has contributed to academic leadership as External Examiner for PGT Anthropology programs at Brunel University and teaches modules like Contemporary Gender Issues in Africa and Law, Dispute Resolution and Justice. Her methodological approach combines ethnographic research with collaborative biographical studies of Malawian women.