Nationalism, populist politics and sport migrations: heroes or villains?

Right-wing populist political voices, movements and values have been on the rise. Europe has been witnessing tendencies that are frequently associated with identity politics, ethno-nationalism, racism, sexism, anti-elitism and a general sense of ‘them vs. us’ attitude. In essence, political perspectives that work to polarise the public for the sake of gaining political power have been rampant.

Such states often abandon principles of liberal democracy and form illiberal political approaches, which questions the feasibility as well as legitimacy of contemporary nation building. Along with conservative political overtones, there is symbolic emphasis on preserving traditional values, national integrity and unity and resisting certain aspects of globalisation.

The movement of peoples (whether legal or illegal) across countries is one of those aspects of globalisation which is frequently resisted by conservative governments as, in some narratives, that challenges national unity and identity. Migration and the ‘threat’ migrants may or will pose to a country have been effectively used in a number of political rhetoric and have, arguably, contributed to the outcome of the Brexit referendum and the success of right wing political movements across the West.

Nevertheless, it appears that in certain domains migrants are not only accepted but celebrated as long as they bring kudos to their adopted country. One such domain is sport where there is a long history of seeking out and employing talented foreign players to boost the sporting profile of a nation.

Therefore, this proposal aims to explore the extent to which sport poses both a contradiction and an opportunity: contradiction as sport migrants, especially at elite level, seem to experience a different social reception to those who may find occupation in other areas of work, and opportunity as sport might be that well needed ‘Lingua Franca’ through which migrants can effectively connect with societies in which they wish to settle.

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to MPhil/PhD Sport and Exercise Science Course Webpage and click on ‘How to Apply’ in the top menu. This PhD could be caried out on a part time or full time basis so please select the relevant application link. On the application form, please make it clear that you are applying for one of our advertised projects so we can direct it straight to the relevant people.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Research School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.

Funding your PhD

For more information about Doctoral Loans please visit: https://www.worc.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/doctoral-loans.aspx

During your PhD you can access the Research Student Support Scheme to support dissemination costs associated with your research, up to £500 a year.

Research Degrees at Worcester

Our research students are central to our overall mission for research. They are working at the cutting edge of their disciplines and driving forward the quality of our research whilst enriching our research culture. We are looking to increase our research student numbers as a strategic imperative.

Research Group

Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity Research Group

The Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity Research Group aims to support excluded and marginalised individuals and communities through ethically and socially responsible research.

We aim to support excluded and marginalised individuals and communities through ethically and socially responsible research with three key research themes: Gender, Identity and the Body; Inclusive Sports and Politics of Sport. Together these themes build a focused, contemporary and highly relevant research agenda based on collaboration and interdisciplinary practice, to integrate research scholarship in and beyond the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Worcester.

Widening Participation

As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening participation for its higher degrees. Although most candidates will have an undergraduate and/or a Masters degree, the University is happy to accept applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work related experience.

Director of Studies

Prof. Győző Molnár, Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity Research Group, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester

Supervisors

Dr S. Whigham, Oxford Brookes.

Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity Research Group

For further information or an informal discussion on this project, please contact Dr Gyozo Molnar (Director of Studies) via email at g.molnar@worc.ac.uk