Dr Matthew Howell

Lecturer in Criminology (and Sociology) (Enhanced Teaching)

Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy

+44 (0) 1792 602750

matthew.howell@swansea.ac.uk

Office - 337
Third Floor
Keir Hardie Building
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

About

Matt teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Criminology, Sociology, and Social Policy. He is the programme director for the BSc Criminology and Sociology.

He has much experience of working with young people and has spent ten years as a youth worker in Swansea and Cardiff.

His research focuses on the development of culture within institutional settings. Using ethnographic research methods, Matt explores young people perception of youth homelessness.

Areas Of Expertise

Ethnography
Youth Culture
Institutional Culture
Social Theory
Research Methodology
Social exclusion
Social Justice
Cultural Sociology

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

Criminology

Social Policy

Sociology

Social Research Methods

Research

Taught Modules

ASC215 Crime, Drugs and Alcohol

The module explores the relationship between drug and alcohol use, society and crime. Throughout the module, the ways in which the criminal justice system responds to the harms presented by drug and alcohol use and related offending is considered. Students are given the opportunity to explore alternative policy approaches to addressing drug use and drug-related harms other than criminalisation.
ASP251 Housing Policy, Homes and Homelessness

This module provides an account of the principles and the development of housing policies in the UK from the nineteenth century to the present day. The module assesses government, voluntary and private sector responses to housing the population. There is an exploration of the meaning of home, the purposes of housing policy and the conceptualisation of housing need. The impacts of housing policy are examined, including its human consequences (eg crime and homelessness); the experiences of particular population groups (eg in terms of class, ¿race¿, ethnicity, gender, disability and age); and geo-economic outcomes (eg protection of the environment, land use and urban planning).
PPS111 Individuals and Society

This first-year module provides an exploration of the dynamic relationship between society and the individual. The module aims to introduce students to a range of essential concepts and debates across various areas of contemporary social life. By focusing on societal divisions, the module seeks to illuminate how social factors influence individuals' identities, priorities, choices, and life chances. Serving as a foundation for subsequent years, this module equips students with crucial conceptual tools that can be applied to key issues, themes, and contexts. Ultimately, the module empowers students to critically examine their own distinct perspectives on social reality¿an essential lesson for anyone aspiring to conduct social scientific research.
SPC202 Culture as Deviance

Culture as Deviance explores the dialectic relationship between culture, society, and deviant behaviour. The module begins by building upon the student¿s knowledge of key concepts, such as cultural norms and values, and deviance. The module goes on to explore theoretical perspectives on the dialectic relationship between culture and deviance. The module examines the ways in which different cultures and societies are structured. Taking an interpretivist view of culture, it is recognised that we often have to deviate from a social norm to enable cultural development. Revisiting big ideas that were touched upon in year one, such as choice, individualism, responsibility, and collectivism, the module aims to challenge existing ideas that the students may have about the interplay between culture and deviance. The module considers the portrayal of deviance in popular culture, including films, music, and social media. It will be considered how these forms of media impact our behaviour. Further, we shall also investigate how power influences our definitions of deviance, particularly when allowing powerful groups to use their influence to maintain, and sometimes increase, their authority. Finally, the module investigates the concept of social control and its relationship to deviance. This is done through examining various forms of social control, such as the criminal justice system, religious institutions, and family. The module concludes with a critical evaluation of the relevance of culture and deviance to contemporary society. Students will apply theoretical perspectives when analysing and explaining deviant behaviour. They will develop critical thinking skills and conduct independent academic research. The module will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between culture and deviance and its consequences for contemporary society.

Dr Matthew Howell

Telephone number

Email address

About

Areas Of Expertise

Career Highlights

Taught Modules

ASC215 Crime, Drugs and Alcohol

ASP251 Housing Policy, Homes and Homelessness

PPS111 Individuals and Society

SPC202 Culture as Deviance