My interests are in Sociology and Culture. These encompass: (1) The Material in Social Life through a specific concern with technologies in the home, and (2) Social Connections and Divisions particularly those of gender and class. I presently explore these interests through two distinct projects, both based on empirical research and currently being written up as books. Technology, Family, Culture (sole authored, in preparation for Palgrave 2010). This is based on archival research of innovation patterns in technology and gender relations since the early twentieth century (ESRC funded 1996) and an ethnographic study of uses of household technologies (ESRC funded 1998-2000 OU/CRESC funded currently). It explores the ways technology shapes, and is shaped by, the ways we relate to each other. Cultural Analysis and Bourdieu’s Legacy: Settling accounts and developing alternatives. (co-edited with Alan Warde, in preparation for Routledge 2010). Contributions by Michael Grenfell, Rick Fantasia, David Swartz, Mike Savage, Diane Reay, Andrew Sayer, Tony Bennett, Antoine Hennion and Michèle Lamont. This work derives from the Cultural Capital and Social Exclusion Project. Funded by the ESRC 2003-2006 to Tony Bennett (principal investigator) and (co-investigators) Mike Savage, Elizabeth Silva and Alan Warde). It included focus groups, representative population survey and household interviews. CCSE assesses the role played by cultural capital in processes of social differentiation in contemporary Britain. Other affliations/positions Member of the Editorial Board of Sociological Review on Line (BSA – UK) 2009-2011, Sociology (BSA - UK) 2004-2008, Member of the International Editorial Board of Cadernos Pagu (UNICAMP, Brazil) since 1998. Member of CRESC (Centre for Research on Culture and Social Change, ESRC funded – partnership between the Open University and the University of Manchester. Advisory Board Member in CRESC Qualitative Research Laboratory. Member of CCIG (Centre for Citizenship, Identity and Governance, Open University Centre of Excellence).