Sophie James
PhD student, Associate LecturerResearch Overview
I am a doctoral researcher with the Department of Marketing at Lancaster University Management School. My research is informed by cultural theory and adopts a critical perspective on the socio-historical and political-ideological structures involved in shaping present-day modes of magical thinking, consumer spirituality, and reflexive doubt. Drawing upon consumer interest in witches and witchcraft, I explore how premodern and pre-capitalist fantasies and imagined ways of living find themselves recycled, reproduced, and commodified in the contemporary marketplace. My research is informed by qualitative, interpretivist methods and connects closely with ‘de-romanticist’ and ‘terminal’ writing in critical marketing and consumer research.
Current Teaching
I currently teach on the following modules:
- MKTG101: Introduction to Marketing
- MKTG317: Brand Strategy
- MKTG315: Managing Marketing Innovation
- MKTG234: Social Media Marketing
Qualifications
First Class Honours: BA (Hons) in Marketing Communications
Distinction: MSc in Marketing
ITV Granada: Media Appearance
Invited talk
BBC Radio Invited Interview: Dark Tourism in Lancashire
Invited talk
Lancashire Witch Tourism: Video for TikTok
Invited talk
CCI Roundtable Session on Social media’s Otherworldly Subcultures
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
CCI Roundtable Session on Halloween: History, Lore, & Consumption (2023)
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
CCI Roundtable Session on the Cost of Living Crisis
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
Guest Speaker: A History of Witchcraft in Contemporary Consumer Culture
Invited talk
CCI Roundtable Session on Subcultures of TikTok
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
CCI Roundtable Session on Halloween: History, Lore, & Consumption (2022)
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
New Café Research Event: The Haunting of Consumer Culture: The Witch In The Contemporary Marketplace
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
Lancaster University Business Management WP Summer School: Marketing In a Digital Age & The Subcultures of TikTok
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
CCI Roundtable Session on Technoconsumption and Artificial Intelligence
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
CCI Roundtable Session on Halloween: History, Lore, & Consumption
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
British Academy of Management Education Practice Award 2022 - Highly Commended
Prize (including medals and awards)
- Centre for Consumption Insights