My work not only adds to academic discourse but also engages with broader public conversations on these essential sociocultural topics.
Some examples of my work include "Mizahin sosyolojisi" (2016), where I explore the sociology of humor. This book was published in Istanbul by Nobel Akademik Yayincilik. In "Satire and Dignity" (2015), I delve into the power of satire, a chapter featured in "The Power of Satire" edited by Marijke Meijer Drees and Sonja de Leeuw. Another notable contribution is "Aesthetic Capital" (2015), co-authored with Sylvia Holla, discussing the sociology of art and culture in the "International Handbook for the Sociology of Art and Culture," published by Routledge. My research also extends to topics such as cosmopolitanism, ethnic humor, and digital culture, as evidenced by publications like "Vogue and the Possibility of Cosmopolitics" (2015) and "The Social Construction of Digital Danger" (2009). With a keen focus on humor and its societal implications, my work offers valuable insights into the intersection of culture, identity, and social norms.
Research
Interests
- Cultural sociology & sociology of culture
- Sociology of beauty, body and appearance
- Sociology of humor & humor studies
- Culture and inequality
- Comparative sociology & process sociology
- Globalization & transnational culture
- Social Theory
- Media studies & media sociology
- Taste & popular culture
- Cultural industries & cultural production
- Translation
- Bicycles and cycling culture
- Research methods, especially mixed methods & comparative methods
Regions
- Europe
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- France
- Italy
- Poland
- UK
- Turkey
- United States
- China
- Hong Kong
My book, "Good Humor, Bad Taste: A Sociology of the Joke," delves into how humor varies across different cultures and what it reveals about social norms and boundaries. I have also explored humor's role in the public sphere, including during the pandemic, examining how humor can reflect and challenge social issues and inequalities.
More
work
I am also deeply engaged in studying beauty standards and their implications for social inequality. My recent work includes a comparative study of beauty regimes in five global cities, funded by an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council. This research aims to understand how aesthetic standards are linked to social privilege and inequality across different cultural contexts.
In addition to my research, I contribute to public understanding and discussion of cultural and social issues through various platforms, including podcasts and public lectures. I continually strive to enhance our understanding of how seemingly “frivolous” cultural phenomena can have serious social consequences.