Applications are invited for a fees-only, three year PhD bursary to commence in October 2022.
The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and will be supervised by Dr Bethany Simmonds, Dr Joseph Burridge and Dr Laura Hyman.
Candidates applying for this project will compete for one of a small number of bursaries available. Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years. Bursary recipients will also receive a £2,000 research allowance for project costs/ consumables/ conference travel.
The work on this project could involve:
- Critical discourse analysis and comparison of the different obesity policy approaches from USA, Canada, and the UK
- Exploring the narratives of larger bodied individuals in the UK and how they understand obesity policy
- Understanding the impact that UK obesity policy has on the health and wellbeing of larger individuals from different intersectional positions of inequality
Project description
In this project, you will use Tyler's conceptualisation of Stigma Power (2020) as a novel theoretical framing of obesity. You will carry out a critical policy discourse analysis and capture individual narratives of those stigmatised by obesity policy in the UK; by operationalising ‘stigma as a power tool’ you will uniquely contribute to the field. In this project, you will fill a gap in knowledge, by understanding how obesity stigma is curated and propagated, and the effects it has on the health and wellbeing of larger bodied individuals.
General admissions criteria
You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in Sociology. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
Specific candidate requirements
You’ll need to demonstrate understanding of the narrative inquiry methodological approach, and experience of undertaking critical policy discourse analysis. Experience of using ‘Stigma Power’ (Tyler, 2020) as a theoretical approach will be needed, as well as an understanding of how this theoretical approach can be applied to obesity policy in the Global North. It would also be preferable if you have experience of working with people with eating ‘problems’ in a health-related setting.
How to Apply
We’d encourage you to contact Dr Bethany Simmonds ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.
When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. You do not need to submit a project proposal at this stage, but if selected for interview you will be asked how you would take the project forward if successful.
If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code EDSO7130522 when applying.
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