What is my research about?
In the broadest terms, I am interested in the ways in which globalisation and rapid social, cultural, and economic change transform people's experiences of self, self-identity, and interpersonal relationships. More specifically, I pursue two lines of research, which are interlinked in conceptual and methodological terms. One is concerned with therapeutic culture and the transnational diffusion of psychotherapeutic discourses and practices, as a cultural idiom for sense-making in everyday life, and for the construction of social problems. The other looks at experiences of transnational migration, currently with a particular focus on highly-skilled migrants in East Asia. In terms of its thematic and conceptual orientation, my research therefore is mostly microsociological. Methdologically, I am particularly interested in narrative and biographical approaches to social research. I have published widely around these themes, including seven books and numerous articles in international journals. I also coordinate an academic network and edit a book series on global therapeutic cultures. On the following pages, I describe these elements of my research in some detail. For further information, also see my profiles on Google Scholar and Research Gate, via the links below.