Rate Professor Laura Dales

Professional Summary: Professor Laura Dales

Professor Laura Dales is a distinguished academic at the University of Western Australia (UWA), recognized for her expertise in gender studies, Japanese society, and social change in contemporary Asia. With a focus on issues of intimacy, identity, and social structures, her work contributes significantly to interdisciplinary research in anthropology and Asian studies.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Dales holds advanced degrees in fields related to Asian studies and anthropology. Her academic training includes:

• PhD in Asian Studies, University of Western Australia
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Western Australia

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Laura Dales specializes in the study of gender and social change in Japan and broader East Asia. Her research interests include:

• Intimacy, marriage, and family structures in contemporary Japan
• Gender identity and feminist movements in Asia
• Social and cultural transformations in modern Japanese society
• Ethnographic approaches to understanding personal and societal relationships

Career History and Appointments

Professor Dales has built a robust academic career with key appointments at the University of Western Australia and other institutions. Her career trajectory includes:

• Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, University of Western Australia (current)
• Lecturer and Senior Lecturer roles at UWA in Asian Studies and Anthropology
• Research and teaching positions focusing on Japanese society and gender studies

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Dales has been recognized for her contributions to academia through various awards and fellowships, including:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) funding for projects on gender and social change in Japan
• Fellowships and grants supporting ethnographic research in Asia

Key Publications

Laura Dales has authored and co-edited several influential works in her field. Notable publications include:

• Feminist Movements in Contemporary Japan (2009) – A critical exploration of feminist activism and gender politics in Japan
• Articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Asian Studies Review and Japanese Studies, focusing on intimacy, singlehood, and social norms in Japan (various years)
• Contributions to edited volumes on gender and family in East Asia

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Dales’ research has had a significant impact on the fields of gender studies and Japanese studies. Her work on intimacy and social change provides nuanced insights into the evolving nature of personal relationships in Japan, influencing both academic discourse and policy discussions. Her ethnographic methodologies have been widely appreciated for their depth and cultural sensitivity, contributing to a better understanding of gender dynamics in Asia.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

In addition to her research and teaching, Professor Dales is actively involved in academic and public engagement. Her contributions include:

• Delivering public lectures and keynote addresses on gender and social change in Japan at international conferences
• Serving on editorial boards and peer-review panels for journals in Asian and gender studies
• Participation in academic committees at UWA, promoting interdisciplinary research and education in social sciences