Hélène Ducourant

Bio

After studying sociology at the University of Lille 1, I completed a PhD in economic sociology on the development of consumer credit in France. In particular, I analysed the role played by revolving credit in the indebtedness of working-class French households, as well as the hierarchical structure of the consumer credit market.

In 2013, I was appointed as a senior lecturer at the University of Paris Est-Marne la Vallée.

Within the research group, I led the digital infrastructure research strand (2014–2017) and pursued research in several directions:

• • Together with Ana Perrin-Hérédia (CURAPP), we are exploring developments in the sociology of consumption. This research resulted in a book published in September 2019 by Armand Colin.
  • With third-year sociology students, we are investigating the pathways leading to excessive debt.
  • With Pascale Moulévrier (CENS), we are examining household debt, payment behaviour and debtors’ perceptions of debt collection practices.
  • Together with Jeanne Lazarus (CSO), we are revisiting the history of banking penetration in France.
  • Together with Evelyne Rousselet (IRG), Mathieu Delage (ACP), Laurent Terral (LVMT) and Stéphanie Serve (IRG), we are analysing the current trend of bank branch closures.
  • Together with Timothée Narring (CESSMA), we examine Brazilian ‘debt fairs’, events that bring together customers with outstanding debts and their creditors.

I am also a member of the editorial board of the Revue Française de Socio-Economie.

Being a lecturer-researcher also (and above all) means being involved in teaching-related activities focused on students.

My teaching focuses mainly on economic sociology, the sociology of employment and questionnaire-based research. Most of the courses I offer combine theory with the implementation of group projects in partnership with associations or companies. Crésus, Les petits débrouillards, File 7, as well as Sanofi and Nickel, have participated in these projects in recent years.  The faculty website provides details of these, and you are welcome to contact me to set up similar projects.

Finally, within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, having been in charge of the Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from 2014 to 2019 and the MEEF Master’s degree (primary education) from 2015 to 2019, I am currently fortunate to serve as the Faculty’s Deputy Director.