Dr Theo Kindynis

Overview

Theo Kindynis joined the Department of Sociology and Criminology as a Senior Lecturer in Criminology in March 2024. He has previously taught at Goldsmiths, University of London and the University of Roehampton.

Theo's current research focuses on the criminology of conspiracy and conspiracy theory. Challenging approaches that dismiss conspiracy theories as social or psychological pathology, Theo has argued for a more critical orientation. Drawing on research on state-corporate crime, elite deviance and covert action, Theo's work argues for the study of "parapolitics" - genuine, documented elite collusion - as a legitimate object of criminological enquiry. He is also interested in how the UK's counter-extremism and counter-disinformation apparatus conceptualises and responds to conspiracy beliefs.

Theo's research has previously examined the interrelationships between urban space, lawbreaking and social control. Theo is an expert on deviant and criminal subcultures and has undertaken long-term ethnographic research into the graffiti writing and urban exploration subcultures. He has consulted and featured as an expert on both topics in outlets including the BBC Evening News and The Guardian. Theo has published legal, practical and ethical guidance for criminological ethnographers researching criminalised groups and practices. 

In addition to these empirical research focuses, Theo has helped pioneer the novel theoretical and methodological approach of “ghost criminology”, which examines the haunting aftereffects of crime, violence, and death.

Theo welcomes proposals from prospective doctoral students on topics including:

- Urban space

- Deviant subcultures

- Ethnographic methods

- Conspiracy, elite deviance and state-corporate crime

- Counter-extremism and counter-disinformation policy

Qualifications

• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom
• PhD in Criminology, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
• MPhil in Criminological Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
• BA Hons in Sociology, University of Kent, United Kingdom

2^ndsupervisor

• Reid Allen, Research Student

Publications by category