Ms Maria Coyne

After studying my BSc in Psychology with Counselling with The Open University I am now a part-time PhD researcher in Social Policy and Criminology (FASS), working in the field of Genders and Sexuality.

My qualitative research examines contrasting responses to Gisèle Pelicot and Lily Phillips, asking how disgust is directed (particularly in digital spaces) and what this reveals about the patriarchal regulation of female sexuality. Drawing on feminist theory, my project explores how female sexual autonomy is policed while male sexual violence is minimised or excused.

My wider interests include online misogyny, media representations of sexual violence, sex work and stigma, and feminist research methodologies.

Outside of academia, I work as a sex and relationships educator and host a podcast exploring sex and relationships.