The Political Economy of Care: Investigating the commodification of care, drawing together the different disciplinary and intellectual trajectories - Glasgow School for Business and Society studentship

Key words: Social Policy, Philosophy, Economics, Gender

Project Reference Number: S2017GSBS003
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within the Glasgow School for Business and Society.

In recent years there has been a growing literature, from diverse disciplinary perspectives, converging around the issue of care. Caring, both in the practical sense of hands-on carework and in the emotional and ethical sense of “caring about,” has been a central focus of feminist economics. A primary focus has been on constructing analytical frameworks for understanding the “other economy” where social reproduction takes place, as well as developing methodologies through time use and other methods for measuring and valuing these activities. A separate strand has looked at the low pay of care workers in the market economy advocating for appropriate support for carework activities directed toward the young, aged and those who are ill. From within social policy there have been concerted efforts to engender welfare regimes analysis by bringing in issues of care including arguments re seeing care as a social investment. Alongside these diverse theoretical and empirical engagements there has been a philosophical debate about the “ethics of care” especially around care as a principal of justice.

This PhD will aim to look the commodification of care drawing together the different disciplinary and intellectual trajectories. It will conceptually delineate between love, care and solidarity especially in relation to the gaps between intrinsic motivation and obligation and the paid labour market.

Research Supervisors
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researchers for further details:
• Professor Sara Cantillon, WiSE Research Centre, Glasgow School of Business for Society
[Email Address Removed]


Mode(s) of Study
The studentship is available as a:
• PhD: 3 years full-time

Eligibility
Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.

Specific requirements of the project:
Preferably Master’s degree in relevant discipline

How to Apply
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor(s) for the project before applying. Applicants should download and complete the GCU Research Application Form, available from: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/phdopportunities stating the Project Title and Reference Number (listed above).

The completed GCU Research Application form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and any other relevant documentation to: [Email Address Removed]. Applicants shortlisted for a PhD studentship will be contacted for an interview.