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Davina Cooper

Professor of Law and Political Theory

D.S.Cooper@kent.ac.uk
+44 (1227) 824172

Biography

My first academic position was at University of Warwick Law School (from 1991-1998). I also completed my PhD there (in 1992), begun at the LSE. I then moved to Keele University (from 1998-2004), and for 3 1/2 years was Research Dean for the Social Science Faculty, prior to coming to University of Kent to establish the AHRC Research Centre for Law, Gender & Sexuality in 2004.

Research

My research interests include

  • Social and Political Theory
  • Cultural Geography
  • Feminism, Sexuality
  • Governance and Radical Politics
  • Utopian Studies

Major Research Projects

I am currently engaged in a theoretical and empirical project exploring "everyday utopias" - spaces and sites of exchange, schooling, sex, religion, politics and speech which seek to enact alternative, and sometimes prefigurative ways of living. My interest is in exploring the epistemological promise of these spaces, as well as their agency, power, and diverse connections and imbrications to "mainstream" life. This project grew out of a fellowship grant funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

Successful research grants held in the past include:

  • 2004-9: AHRC Research Centre for Law, Gender and Sexuality, £1.1 million (incl. HEI contribution)
  • 2001-3: ESRC Research Grant (principal researcher), £80k Lesbian and Gay Policy-making within Local Government, 1990-2001
  • 2001-3: Leverhulme Fellowship, £15k (sole researcher) Governing Prefigurative Communities
  • 1995-97: ESRC Research Grant, £26K (sole researcher) Community, Democracy, and the Governance of Difference
  • 1993-94: ESRC Research Grant (principal researcher), £24K The Power of Law in Municipal Politics

Publications

Books

    Cooper, Davina (2004) Challenging Diversity: Rethinking Equality and the Value of Difference. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 246 pp. ISBN 0521539544.

    Abstract

    Davina Cooper addresses major questions currently facing political and social theory, particularly in relation to debates about diversity. These questions concern how we identify the boundaries of legitimate forms of difference, and understand equality and inequality as well as the challenges of sustaining differing progressive practices. Cooper links theoretical discussion to specific conflicts over social and cultural issues, such as religious symbolism, lesbian and gay marriage and cigarette smoking.

    Cooper, Davina (1998) Governing Out of Order: Space, Law and the Politics of Belonging. Rivers Oram, London and New York University Press, New York, USA, 256 pp. ISBN 1854891030.

    Abstract

    Davina Cooper explores governing practices and agendas at the end of the twentieth century, focusing on institutional excess and political transgression, inevitable aspects of modern liberal rule. She examines the identity of the nation-state and its relationship to the wider community to consider the boundaries of the way we are governed.How far should state institutions be able to assert and implement their moral, ethical, and religious visions without losing legitimacy? Cooper illustrates the sites of tension that arise through a number of conflicts, applying recent socio-legal and political theory to her own original research. Governing Out of Order examines issues which include the way British courts have facilitated the privatization of local government, the Canada -- Spain fishing wars, how political and civil bodies struggle over national identity, homosexuality, education, hunting, and religious practice.Davina Cooper asks how governing can be both responsible and radical. She argues that governing principles should be ideologically explicit, prepared to contest and transgress divisions of authority to pursue a multi-cultural, egalitarian vision of political responsibility. Governing Out of Order raises questions and concerns echoed throughout liberal states. It will be a key book for students and scholars in political and social theory, law, and cultural studies.

    Cooper, Davina (1995) Power in Struggle: Feminism, Sexuality and the State. Open University Press, 192 pp. ISBN 0335192114.

    Cooper, Davina (1995) Power in Struggle: Feminism, Sexuality and the State. Open University Press, Buckingham, and New York University Press, New York (co-publication), New York, USA, 224 pp. ISBN 978-0814715277.

    Cooper, Davina (1994) Sexing the City: Lesbian and Gay Politics and the Activist State. Rivers Oram Press, 224 pp. ISBN 1854890573.

    Cooper, Davina (1994) Sexing the City: Lesbian and Gay Politics Within the Activist State. Rivers Oram, London and New York University Press, New York, USA, 224 pp. ISBN 1854890565.

Articles
Book Sections
Edited Books
Total publications: 50 [See all in KAR]
Information obtained from the Kent Academic Repository. The University of Kent official repository of academic activity.
More information about the Kent Academic Repository

Teaching & Supervision

Teaching

No teaching as I currently direct the AHRC Centre for Law, Gender & Sexuality

Supervision

In any of the areas identified in my research interests.

Currently Supervising:

E Grabham: PhD "Social incisions: theorising belonging through the body"

T Johnson: PhD "Sexuality and asylum: narrativising discourses of resistance through the imaginary domain"

S Keenan: MPhil "The study of women who claim refugee status on the basis of their sexuality"

S Lamble: MPhil "Transforming bodies of knowledge: transgender activism, antidiscrimination law and social movement politics in Canada"

Other Academic Activities

Editorial Work

I am on various editorial/ international advisory boards, including: Feminist Legal Studies, Gender, Work and Organization, Feminist Theory, International Journal of Law in Context

Professional Societies

I am a member of the SLSA, SLS and have just finished a 3 year term as Trustee of the Law & Society Association.

External Appointments

ESRC Grants Board, 2001-2005; Specialist Advisory to Education and Employment Parliamentary Select Committee, 2000-2002; Magistrate 2000-2005; Local Government Councillor, 1986-1990

Administration

I am Director of the AHRC Centre for Law, Gender & Sexuality.

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