seeing the world differently

Michelle Shir-Wise

About Michelle

Michelle Shir-Wise, Phd, is a sociologist and author with a passion for exploring hidden narratives and cultural norms that shape our beliefs and actions. Her work offers thought-provoking insights into social issues with a focus on broadening our understanding of the world and ourselves. From examining the way we perceive and use our time, to questions about truth, readers are encouraged to embrace a more critical approach to the taken-for-granted assumptions in everyday life.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

No man should judge unless he asks himself in absolute honesty whether in a similar situation he might not have done the same.

Viktor Frankl

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My Blog

Free Time: Islands of Freedom?

Contemporary life can feel like being caught in a current that pulls us in every direction. Whether at work or at home, we often struggle to keep our heads above water. Sometimes we manage to stay afloat; other times we feel we’re drowning in a stormy ocean of duties. In those moments, all we wish for is calm waters. Amid this sea of commitments and time pressure, we imagine islands of freedom — those precious hours we call “free time.” While much of our day is governed by

Unraveling the Social Fabric

Exploring Cultural Perspectives In today's interconnected world, it is more important than ever to embrace and understand the diverse...

Unlocking the Mind

Challenging Societal Beliefs In a world where societal norms and beliefs are deeply ingrained, it is crucial to question and challenge...

My work

Here you can find a selection of some of my work. Feel free to get in touch to learn more.

BOOK

Time, Freedom and the Self: The Cultural Construction of "Free" Time. Sham: Palgrave Macmillan.

ARTICLES

Melting time and confined leisure under COVID-19 lockdown

The productive self and conspicuous busyness in “free” time

Services

As a a writer, lecturer, researcher, and passionate advocate for education and social issues, I offer lectures and workshops that help individuals and groups understand the world around them. Whether you are a teacher, organization, or company seeking to deepen your insights and understanding of complex societal issues, my workshops offer a unique and insightful approach that is backed by years of experience in research and teaching. Contact me today to schedule a session and learn more.

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Lectures

Join me on an insightful journey about freedom and time use.
Share my research on how media impacts our lives.
Explore questions about truth in in a world of AI advancements.
Join me as we delve into the cultural scripts of gender.
Investigate the complexities of ageism.

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Workshops

Dive deep into the realm of time management and acquire practical skills to enhance your efficiency without stress.
Participate in stimulating discussions about the influence of media on our beliefs and values.
Join workshops that address ageism and what shapes our conceptions.
Explore cultural scripts of gender and discuss tools to combat sexism.