Bethan's research explores consensual sibling incest in contemporary fiction, TV, and film.  Arguing that its popularity speaks to more than an illicit fascination but is a pervasive, discursive phenomenon, she considers how the modern reframing of the trope reflects contemporary uncertainties surrounding normative sexualities and familial relationships.

Bethan’s teaching reflects her research interests, specialising in exploring crime, justice, and social control through the lens of television and film, music, and popular culture. This includes both the critical examination of how crime can be both produced and consumed for entertainment, and using popular culture to teach criminological theory and concepts. By connecting academic theory with popular culture, students are encouraged to question assumptions, challenge stereotypes, and examine the ways they’ll have been taught about crime, harm, and exclusion outside of education.