Dr Debra King
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts, majors in Sociology and Politics, Flinders University, 1992
- Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Sociology, First Class, Flinders University – awarded the University Medal, 1993
- PhD in Sociology, Flinders University, 1999
- Graduate Certificate in Education (Higher Education), QUT, 2002
Bio
My interest in paid care has resulted in being on the steering committee of the Australian Paid Care Research Network for which I have co-convened two national workshops and developed their website. In 2007, I was a guest editor for a special edition on paid care of the Australian Journal of Social Issues with Professor Bill Martin. A co-edited book with Professor Gabrielle Meagher on paid care in Australia is due for release later in 2008.
I have held state leadership roles in the Australian Federation of University Women, and served on many University committees. Prior to becoming an academic I was a Community Development Officer in rural SA where I initiated and managed several community services and projects.
Research
Dr King has previously conducted research on the meaning and experience of work, focusing on the emotional dimensions of work.
In 2006 she conducted research with four community organisations which examined how Childcare Workers could be given organisational support for the emotional aspects of their care work. In other research she has examined how positive emotions, such as passion, influence the relationship between work identity and the workplace for social activists, volunteers and managers.
Her research identifies issues surrounding emotional expression, emotional management and emotional capital as being critical to worker well-being and their effectiveness as workers.
Recent research projects
