Communicating as equals: intersectionalism, feminism and non-dominating practice

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship funded by the Loughborough University Graduate School in conjunction with the University’s Communication, Culture and Citizenship Research Challenge to start in October 2016. The project will be based in the Department of Politics, History and International Relations at Loughborough University and work closely with the Department of Social Sciences.

Internationally renowned for its research excellence, the University has a vibrant research student community of around 1200 students supported by an £8 million annual investment. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) every department was found to be undertaking research that is internationally recognised, with many regarded as ‘world leading’. Comfortably ranked in the top 20 of all major university league tables, the University was awarded The Sunday Times University of the Year 2008-2009 and was voted The Times Higher Education ‘Best Student Experience’ in England for six years running.

This project examines how contemporary feminist/women’s groups respond to issues of domination, oppression and privilege through practices that seek to overcome power differentials in order to develop a practice-based theorisation of non-dominating forms of communication and with a view to its broader appreciation in communication studies. The candidate will use a range of methods to examine how women’s groups address issues of privilege. The research will involve working with women’s groups and an ability to forge links with activists is essential. Knowledge of contemporary feminism and a familiarity with ethnographic methods is also an advantage.

Students will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in communication studies, sociology, politics or cognate subject, preferably with a knowledge of contemporary feminism and/or women’s movements. Some experience of working with women’s groups is also desirable. Whilst not essential, a relevant Master’s degree will be an advantage. Familiarity with ethnographic approaches to research is also desirable.

General information about the Department of Politics, History and International Relations can be found at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/phir/ and the Department of Social Sciences at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/socialsciences/.
For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Professor Ruth Kinna [Email Address Removed] or Dr Line Nyhagen L.Nyhagen @lboro.ac.uk.

To apply, please complete the online application using the following link: https://lucas.lboro.ac.uk/web_apx/f?p=100:1. Under programme name, select Politics, History and International Relations.

The closing date for applications is 15th February 2016

Please quote the following reference when applying: GSRC2016CCC/RK