Dr Lehtonen’s primary area of research focuses on dominant narratives, representations and regulation of sexuality within broader cultural, political and economic formations – spanning political sociology, gender and sexuality studies, and cultural studies. Her current project explores the limitations and possibilities of sexual politics within austerity and neoliberalism, interrogating the intersections of sexuality and gender with class and racial formations, work and welfare, and the state.
She is also interested in pedagogy, with a research focus on feminist and queer pedagogical engagements with narratives and practices of inclusion, resistance, and employability in Higher Education.
Dr Lehtonen is part of the Diversity, Community and Identity research group at the University of Northampton.