Matthew Green

Matthew Green is a Lecturer in Children, Young People and Education at York St John University's School of Education, Language and Psychology. He completed his PhD through the Institute for Social Justice funding in September 2024, becoming the first researcher to do so. Prior to this, he lectured in the School of Sport after completing his PhD studies. In 2025, he gained Fellowship at the Higher Education Academy, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Dr. Green earned his first-class degree in Physical Education and Youth Sport from York St John University before completing an MSc in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise at the University of Chester. His doctoral research explored gendered peer group dynamics in secondary Physical Education, reflecting his longstanding interest in how young people navigate educational spaces.

Green's research focuses on how children and young people experience and navigate Physical Education and school sport. He investigates how young people socially construct and differentiate banter from bullying, and examines their behaviors and emotional expressions in various school spaces such as changing rooms, toilets, and swimming pools. His work primarily applies figurational sociology and employs diverse qualitative research methods to understand complex social dynamics in educational settings.

His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on social dynamics in educational contexts, with particular attention to bullying, banter, gender issues, and power imbalances. Green's research shows a clear trajectory toward understanding how young people negotiate social boundaries and power structures within school environments, with increasing attention to issues of social justice and inclusive practices.

As an educator, Green teaches across modules concerning theoretical approaches to education, social justice, qualitative research methods, and contemporary issues in education. He serves as module director for CYE4006M Effective Communication and Teamwork and tutors several other modules including CYE4004M Protection and Safeguarding in Context and CYE7001M Critical Approaches to Education. He also supervises undergraduate dissertations and Master's by Research students, mentoring the next generation of education researchers.