Kate Bedford

About Me – Kate Bedford

Hello, I am Kate Bedford, a professor of Law and Political Economy at Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham. My work sits at the intersection of law, political economy, gender, and development studies. Over the years, I have devoted my research to understanding how law shapes economic and social life, especially in areas that are often overlooked, such as gambling regulation and development policy.

Early Life and Education

I began my academic journey with a BA in History and Sociology from the University of Leeds in 1997. I then pursued an MA in Women’s Studies at Ohio State University, completing it in 2000. My doctoral research at Rutgers University, completed in 2005, focused on women’s political participation and the broader intersections of law and political economy. These formative years laid the foundation for the interdisciplinary work I pursue today.

Academic Career

After my PhD, I held various research and teaching positions, eventually joining the University of Birmingham in 2018 as a Professor of Law and Political Economy. My teaching covers topics such as global law, public law, gender and law, and law and development. I supervise postgraduate students and welcome doctoral proposals on law, gender, and political economy.

My Research Themes

I focus on four main areas:

• Law and development – Exploring how international institutions influence gender and economic policies.
• Political economy – Understanding the interaction of law, capitalism, and social inequality.
• Gambling regulation – Investigating everyday gambling as a lens to explore legal and economic systems.
• Gender and sexuality – Analyzing how legal frameworks shape gendered experiences globally.

Research Projects, Grants, and Collaborations

Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to lead and participate in a number of research projects that have allowed me to explore the intersections of law, political economy, and social life. My work is often interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with colleagues from sociology, economics, development studies, and political science.

I have always been interested in research that not only contributes to academic debates but also has practical relevance, particularly in the areas of gambling regulation, gender equality, and law in development contexts. Some of the most significant projects I have been involved in include large-scale, funded research grants, as well as smaller collaborative studies that address specific socio-legal questions.

Collaborations

Collaboration has always been central to my work. I frequently work with scholars from different fields to integrate diverse perspectives into socio-legal research. Some examples include:

• Partnering with economists and sociologists to study the economic and social effects of gambling.
• Collaborating with international development experts to assess the impact of gender-focused policy reforms in Latin America and Asia.
• Working with legal scholars globally to compare regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions.

These collaborations have not only strengthened the quality of my research but also helped disseminate findings beyond academia, influencing policy debates and public understanding of law and development.

Reflections on Research Impact

One of the aspects of my work I am most proud of is its practical relevance. For instance:

• Findings from the «A Full House» project were shared with regulatory agencies in the UK to inform more socially responsible gambling policies.
• Gender and development research contributed to discussions at international development conferences, helping practitioners understand how laws shape gendered outcomes.
• Publications arising from collaborative projects have been cited by policymakers, NGOs, and legal reform advocates.

For me, research is most meaningful when it bridges theory and practice, and when it opens avenues for social change while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Awards, Recognitions, and Conferences

Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive recognition for my contributions to socio-legal scholarship, political economy, and gender-focused research. These awards not only acknowledge my work but also motivate me to continue exploring the intersections of law, society, and development.

I have also participated in numerous conferences worldwide, presenting my research, engaging in debates, and building networks with fellow scholars. Many of these engagements have directly influenced my thinking and helped shape ongoing projects.

Conferences and Keynote Talks

I have been invited to present my work at prestigious conferences around the world. These opportunities have allowed me to engage with diverse academic communities and disseminate my research to a wider audience.

Professional Committees and Editorial Work

In addition to research and teaching, I contribute to the academic community by serving on editorial boards, peer-reviewing manuscripts, and participating in professional committees. This work helps ensure rigorous standards in research and fosters a collaborative scholarly environment.

Career Timeline

I like to reflect on my career as a series of milestones that have shaped my research, teaching, and engagement with the wider academic and policy community. Here is a timeline of my major professional events:

Personal Reflections and Conclusions

Looking back over my career, I see a consistent thread: my fascination with how law intersects with society and economics, and how research can drive meaningful change. From studying gender and development policies in Latin America, to analyzing gambling laws in the UK and beyond, my work has always been guided by the question:

How does law shape the way we live, interact, and understand social justice?

I take pride in the interdisciplinary nature of my work. Engaging with colleagues across sociology, political economy, and law has enriched my perspective and allowed me to contribute to policy debates in meaningful ways.

Teaching is also central to my life. I strive to inspire students to think critically about the law, its power, and its limitations. Seeing doctoral students develop into confident scholars is deeply rewarding.

Finally, I hope my research has left a mark not only in academia but also in the broader social and policy context. Whether through contributions to responsible gambling regulation, gender-focused development programs, or academic discourse in socio-legal studies, I believe that rigorous research can create pathways for positive change.

I continue to pursue projects that challenge assumptions, integrate diverse perspectives, and address real-world problems. This is the journey I am on, and it is far from complete.