Michael E. Gardiner

Michael E. Gardiner is a Professor of Sociology at Western University, cross-appointed to the Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism. He holds a D.Phil. from the University of York (UK), and degrees from the University of Calgary. His research focuses on sociological theory, affect studies (especially boredom), utopian studies, and dialogical social theory influenced by Mikhail Bakhtin.

Education: D.Phil. in Sociology (University of York, UK), M.A. and B.A. in Sociology (University of Calgary).

Research emphasizes the interplay of affect and social structures, with notable work on boredom's sociopolitical dimensions and Bakhtin's dialogical theory. Recent publications include Bakhtin in the Fullness of Time (2020) and contributions to Cultural Politics and Rethinking Marxism.

Teaching includes courses on utopian sociology, climate change sociology, and contemporary social theory. He actively supervises MA/PhD students and has advised over a dozen theses on topics ranging from Kurdish migration to Marxist analysis of digital culture.