Dr Georgia Smith
College: College of Social Sciences and International Studies
Discipline: Sociology and Philosophy
Department: Sociology
Research Centre/Unit: SWDTC, ESRC
I use qualitative methods to explore the pharmaceuticalization of sleep by older adults, in order to address the bias towards the day in the social sciences, and establish the night as a legitimate sphere of sociological study.
I have recently been awarded the Mildred Blaxter Fellowship from the Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness.
Member of: Society for the Study of Addiction, British Society of Gerontology
Primary interests:
- Drug dependency in later life
- The pharmaceuticalization of sleep
- Social identities and the symbolic value of behaviour
- Qualitative research methods
PhD research:
My ESRC-funded interdiscplinary PhD research explored the experiences of older adults using prescribed sleeping medication, paying particular attention to discourses surrounding dependence and addiction. Placing the night 'centre stage', I argue that the consumption of sleeping tablets can be conceptualised as 'emotional management.' Via use, older individuals elude the emotional, physical and psychic threats of night-time.
Teaching:
- SOC3086 Addiction
- SOC2070 Pharmaceutical Cultures
- SOC3088 Health, Illness & Bodies in Society: Bodies in Society
- SOC3085 Health, Illness & Bodies in Society: Medicine & Social Control
Research:
I am a research associate on a GW4 funded study on family carers of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
I am also a research associate on an ESRC funded ethnographic study, 'Understanding the Use of Digital Forensics in Policing in England and Wales: An Ethnographic Analysis of Current Practices and Professional Dynamics.'
Publications:
Smith, G. & Farrimond, H. (2018) Active ageing, emotional care and the threat of stigma: Identity management in older adults using sleeping medication long-term, Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine
Conferences & Research Showcases
Smith, G (2019) Active Ageing, Emotional Care and the Threat of Stigma: Identity Management by Older Adults Using Prescribed Sleeping Pills, University of Exeter Postgraduate Conference, Exeter, 5th May
Smith, G (2018) The Experience of Sleeping Medication Use by Older Adults Living at Home: Early Findings, University of Bristol Doctoral College Research Showcase, Bristol, 9th May
Smith, G (2017) Addiction and Medication Abuse in Later Life: The Case of Sedative-hypnotics and Tricyclic Antidepressants, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, 8th May
Smith, G (2017) The Use of Prescribed Sleeping Medication by UK Older Adults, University of the Third Age, South Hams, 25th May
Smith, G (2017) The Experience of Sleeping Medication Use by Older Adults Living at Home, Centre for Health and Social Care, Bristol, 21st April
Smith, G (2016) Walking the Tightrope: The Experiences of Sleeping Medication Use by Older Adults Living at Home, Society for the Study of Addiction Postgraduate Conference, Bath, 7th July
Smith, G (2016) Walking the Tightrope: The Experiences of Sleeping Medication Use by Older Adults Living at Home, BSA MedSoc Group and Chesci Conference, Plymouth, 15th February
Smith, G (2016) The Use of Prescribed Sedative-hypnotic drugs by UK Older Adults, Society for the Study of Addiction Annual Symposium, York, 6th November
Impact
Smith, G (2017) Addiction and Medication Abuse in Later Life:
The Case of Sedative-hypnotics & Tricylic Anti-depressants, University of Exeter Medical School, 8th May
Smith, G (2017) The Use of Prescribed Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs by UK Older Adults, Totnes, University of the Third Age (U3A), 25th May
