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Sociology Research

 

Phakin is a PhD student in Sociology at St. John's College, the University of Cambridge, supported by the Cambridge-Thai Foundation scholarship in partnership with the Cambridge Trust.

His doctoral research examines the intersection of leftist political movements and the emerging and controversial technologies of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Building upon the sociology of technology and digital activism, his research explores the collective identity and participatory practices of "crypto-leftist" communities.

Phakin holds a Master’s degree in History and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, both from Thammasat University, Thailand. Before joining Cambridge, Phakin held a teaching position in Social Science/Social Studies at Kamnoetvidya Science Academy, Thailand. He is currently on educational leave to pursue his PhD.

Research Interests

Digital sociology; sociology of technology, digital activism, blockchain and cryptocurrency, left politics

Research Projects

PhD Project: "The Crypto Leftists and the Appropriation of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: A Case of the Blockchain Socialist Communities"

The research explores the intersection of leftist political movements and the emerging and controversial technologies of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Focusing on the "crypto-leftists" as a counter-movement seeking to redefine the political landscape of the cryptospace, it examines how they form their collective identity through engagement with digital technologies and how they strategically reframe and practically repurpose blockchain for "post-capitalist" futures. Using the "Blockchain Socialist" communities as a case study, the research investigates their collective identity, digital activism, and technological appropriation. Employing a multi-method approach, including textual analysis, interviews, and participant observation, the research offers a nuanced perspective on the political dynamics of cryptospace and contributes to sociology of technology by examining the relationship between technology, identity, and political movements.

PhD Supervisor

Dr. Ella McPherson

Awards

Cambridge Trust - Cambridge Thai Foundation Award (2024-2027), University of Cambridge, UK
Excellent Dissertation in Social Sciences, Thammasat University, Thailand (2015)
Excellent Dissertation, Faculty of Arts, Thammasat University, Thailand (2015)
TRF Master Research Grants: TRF-MAG, Thailand Research Fund, Thailand (2014)

Job Title:
The Crypto Leftists and the Appropriation of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: A Case of the Blockchain Socialist Communities, Supervisor: Dr Ella McPherson
Phakin Nimmannorrawong
Contact Information: