M. Geneva Murray
mgm502@york.ac.uk
I moved to England in order to study under the supervision of Professor Stevi Jackson, and am now completing my PhD on roller derby and heterosexuality.
Utilizing theories on the institution of heterosexuality, I conducted a qualitative study on all-female roller derby which evaluated the way in which derby aligns with or challenges heteronormativity. In order to approach this question, I analyzed: (i) spectators’ depictions of all-female roller derby, focusing on their interpretations of the dress, pseudonyms, and identities of players, as well as the ways in which they were actively involved in constructing gender through their discussions of all-female, coed, and all-male roller derby; (ii) players’ descriptions of their interactions with spectators, family members, romantic partners, friends and strangers, regarding roller derby; (iii) the phenomenon of ‘derby wives,’ a term used to describe particular female friendships in roller derby.
I formerly played roller derby with the Leeds Roller Dolls as Toxic Pink Stuff, and am currently the training coordinator for York Roller Derby. You can also see me talk about my research in the upcoming roller derby documentary: Derby Baby!
Other areas of interest include, but are not limited to: women’s history, public policy, activism, eating disorders, fat studies.