Modern slavery involves the exploitation of a person in a form of incarceration for the financial or personal benefit of another; the exploitation can take many forms including labour, criminal or sexual exploitation, domestic servitude or organ harvesting. In 2020, criminal exploitation was by far the most common form of modern slavery reported by those identified by the National Referral Mechanism – the UK government’s formal identification and support system – and 74% of those identified were males. However, this picture is not reflected in contemporary British literary representations of modern slavery, where narratives of sexual exploitation of girls and women take the forefront.
This project will challenge, expose and dismantle prevailing ways of thinking about incarceration in British literature, focusing primarily on autobiographical accounts since 2010 but also potentially fictional narratives. The research will explore the complex processes involved in the production of such texts as well as their popularity, particularly in the aftermath of the Modern Slavery Act of 2015.
This PhD project is interdisciplinary, meaning that the successful candidate will be a part of the Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education and the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Alicia Kidd ([Email Address Removed])
For more information, watch a recording here of a webinar held in December 2021. You'll hear from programme leaders, supervisors and students talking about the funded opportunities available.
About the research cluster
The successful candidate will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Hull's Cultures of Incarceration Centre (CIC) which is proud of its growing postgraduate community. The Centre explores creative responses to the experience of incarceration across cultures and continents, with ‘incarceration’ applied to a host of historical and contemporary contexts, including prisons, pandemics, and modern slavery. Our work informs wider discussions of race, class, gender, humanity, and citizenship in countries across the world, and pioneers new interdisciplinary ways of working with colleagues from across subject areas and in collaboration with external partners and stakeholders.
Please note that the successful candidate should be prepared to undertake fieldwork (whether in Hull, nationally, or internationally) as required.
Submission of thesis
Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.
If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period.
Eligibility, entry requirements and how to apply
To find out more about the eligibility criteria, entry requirements and how to apply, please visit the University of Hull PhD scholarships webpage.
International applicants
This opportunity comes with a home fee waiver only.
Closing date for applications
Midnight, 31 January 2022
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