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Biography
Paula is a Lecturer in Sociology within the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences discipline group and the Education Development Coordinator (EDC) for the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences.
An associate of The Swinburne Institute, member of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) and the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA), Paula's research interests lie a the intersection of the scholarly fields addressing 'young people', 'identity' and 'place'.
Prior to working at Swinburne, Paula worked on a host of government and other-funded projects. She completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2005. Her thesis entitled: "'I just can't see myself doing it'. Occupational aspirations and Identities: Young people from family farms, Victoria".
Teaching
HAS111 Sociological Foundations HAS204 Sociology of Young People
Research Interests
youth identity place (particularly rurality)
Publications Include
Geldens, P.M. and Bourke, L. (2008) 'Identity, uncertainty and responsibility: privileging place in a risk society’, Children's Geographies, vol.6, no.3, pp.281-294. Freestone, P. and Geldens, P. (2008) '"For More than Just the Postcard": Student exchange as a tourist experience?' Annals of Leisure Research, vol.11, no.1&2, pp.41-56. Geldens, P.M. (2008) 'What do you tell people you do for a living?: “If I am being a bit facetious I tell them I am a paper stainer”', TASA (The Australian Sociological Association) Conference, University of Melbourne. Bourke, L. and Geldens P.M. (2007) 'Perceptions of Reconciliation and related Indigenous Issues among Young Residents of Shepparton', Australian Journal of Social Issues, vol.42, no.4, pp.603-621. Bourke, L. and Geldens, P.M. (2007) 'Subjective well-being and its meaning for young people in rural Australian centre', Social Indicators Research , vol.82, pp.165-187. Geldens, P.M. (2007) 'Out-migration. Young Victorian's and the family farm : where would you prefer to live?', People and Place, vol.15, no.1, pp.69-76. Bourke, L and Geldens, P. (2007) '”What does wellbeing mean?” Perspectives of wellbeing among young people and youth workers in rural Victoria ', Youth Studies Australia, vol.26, no.1, pp.41-49. Geldens, P.and Bourke, L. (2006) 'The perspectives of youth workers in rural Victoria ', Youth Studies Australia, vol.25, no.4, pp.33-41. Geldens, P.M. (2005) ‘Wanted: ‘Place’ to fill vacancy in roomy, well appointed ‘space’ within youth sociology. Available immediately’, TASA (The Australian Sociological Association) Conference, University of Tasmania. Geldens, P.M. (2002) 'I am not as cool as I thought I was. The challenges of conducting research with young people in rural areas', Rural Social Work, vol.7, no.1, pp.45-50. Webb, T., Cary, J., and Geldens, P. (2002), 'Leaving the Land: A study of Western Division grazing families in transition', RIRDC Report: 02/056.