Kathryn Almack

Kathryn’s research is informed by a strong background and a sustained reputation and connections in the field of family sociology and social policy. This broadly address family lives, health and well-being across the life-course.  Previous research has included investigations of family lives in the context of same sex parenthood; the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities, children’s family lives living in deprived areas. In recent years her research has had a substantial focus on older people, ageing and end of life care. She has developed an innovative programme of research exploring the impact of intersectionality in the lives of older people and at the end of life, particularly relating to sexual and gender identity and she is a recognized leader in this burgeoning research field.

 She has research interests in the everyday family lives of children and young people, in particular those living in or with difficult circumstances (such as parental separation/parental or sibling serious illness; living with a long term chronic illness). This includes questions of what resources, support and interventions children, young people and their families may draw upon in such circumstances; how such ‘troubles’ are defined and addressed by policy and professional interventions.

 Kathryn’s previous background was in social services and community development work. She has a firm commitment to, and many years’ experience in, collaborative work with policy makers and practitioners within, for example, NHS organisations, social care and education. Over the years, she has built enduring relationships to sustain a commitment to work with research partners and to ensure her research informs public policy.

 Kathryn serves on the editorial board of the British Sociological Association’s flagship journal, Sociology and from 2013-17 she was elected co-convener of the BSA’s Families and Relationships Study Group. 

Kathryn is an experienced doctoral supervisor. She welcomes expressions of interest from PhD candidates in line with her research interests as outlined above (and see under 'expertise')

Kathryn's research is inter-disciplinary across areas including family sociology, the life course; gender and sexuality; inequalities; health and illness, health and social care policy.

Her research interests fall into three broad areas:

• Family sociology addressing the moral terrains and normative notions around families and relationships that people negotiate in their everyday lives. My research in this area includes investigations of family lives in the context of same sex parenthood; parents with young adults with intellectual disabilities; end of life experiences and needs within familial settings in a diverse range of contexts.
• Inequalities and intersections relating to care, sexual identities and intimacy across the life-course. In this area my most recent focus has been on exploring experiences of end of life and care needs in the lives of older LGBT people. This highlights evidence of feared and real inequities in professional care services but also throws light on broader issues of old age, living well and dying well.
• The everyday family lives of children and young people, in particular children and young people living in or with difficult circumstances (such as parental separation/parental or sibling illness; living with a long term chronic illness). Including questions of what resources and interventions children, young people and their families draw upon in such circumstances; how such ‘troubles’ are defined and addressed by policy and professional interventions.

Recent and ongoing grants:

2017 – 19: Harding, R., Bristowe, K., King, M, Almack, K.

ACCESSCare II - bereavement outcomes for LGB and heterosexual bereaved partners: a population based cross sectional mixed methods study. Marie Curie Research Programme: £193,284

2015-16:  Hafford-Letchfield, T., Almack, K., Willis, P. and Simpson, P.        Developing an LGBTI inclusive environment for older people living in care homes. Comic Relief Care Home Challenge (with Research Partner, Anchor Housing Trust) £20,000

2014-16: Harding, R., Daveson, B., Almack, K.

ACCESSCare: Advanced Cancer Care Equality Strategy for Sexual minorities. Marie Curie Research Programme: £110,059

 2012-15:   Almack, K.(PI), Seymour, J., Yip, A., Sargeant, A.

The Last Outing: End of life care: the experiences and needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual and trans (LGBT) elders. Marie Curie Research Programme: £163,281