معرفی
Karen Smith is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin. Since her 2016 appointment, she has specialized in critical childhood studies and child policy analysis, focusing on inequality, power relations, and the application of governmentality theory to child welfare and rights. Her research engages with refugee and migration studies, particularly addressing the needs of children and families of international protection background.
- PhD in Social Policy, University College Dublin
Her work spans multiple disciplines including social policy, sociology of childhood, and refugee studies. Research themes include governmentalization of childhood, critical analysis of child protection frameworks, and the intersection of migration policy with children's rights. She has contributed to Irish child policy development through collaborations with the OECD, Barnardos Ireland, and Nasc.
Recent publications analyze family reunification challenges (2025), community sponsorship dynamics (2024), and childhood oppression theories (2024). She is currently finalizing a book on childhood and oppression (2026/2027 publication). Her teaching portfolio includes modules on social justice, equality theory, and refugee displacement. She has received academic recognition through research fellowships and advisory roles in national policy frameworks.
Key scientific awards include the Open Postgraduate Award (2005) and National Children's Strategy Research Fellowship (2004). Professional engagements encompass membership in the Academic Advisory Council for 'Young Ireland' (2024) and expert panels for the Children's Fund (2023). Her email contact is karen.m.smith@ucd.ie.
