PhD Study : Identity and Sport in Divided/Dividing Societies

Summary

Research examining the nexus of identity and sport is now well established, focusing variously on ethnicity, gender, national identity, interculturalism and so on. This work has highlighted the specificity of social contexts, in divided/dividing societies for instance, but also commonalities in identity dynamics across such varied contexts e.g. in nation state formation or in the expression of gendered identities in contact sports. This work has also identified identity formation/expression as a process, involving the mutual shaping of the personal and the social. In deeply divided/dividing societies in particular, the case has been made for the contribution of sport to peace building, good relations and the promotion of human rights. Yet, this remains a matter of debate: both in terms of claims about a so-called intrinsic value in sport and whether sport, national team sports especially, are a suitable medium for contact between culturally distinctive groups. This project permits the researcher the opportunity to unravel the hidden crevasses of ethno-national tensions in a divided/dividing society; to explore the impact of national sports representation on the identity politics of sportspeople (male/female or both), and; to consider the implications of this (e.g. policy, governance, team selection, coach education) for the future development of such sports, and societies.

Methods to be used: The strengths and interests of the particular doctoral candidate will inform the final decision on research design once final research objectives are agreed. It is envisaged that the research methods will be chosen for their relevance to the project and no method will be given any primacy per se over the objectives of the research. The candidate will refine detailed aspects of the methodology and analysis. Applicants should, in consultation with the supervisory team, propose a research design that enables them to explore the experiences of sportspeople who have represented/are representing ‘the nation’, the ways in which such experiences are shaped by the particular social context of identity politics, and the implications for future developments, sporting and otherwise in such contexts.

Objectives of the Research: The following are the general objectives of the proposed project:

*To explore the socio-historical development of identity politics in a deeply divided/dividing society/region/context;

*To understand the ways in which the development of national team sports have been shaped by such wider socio-historical, political and economic contexts e.g. how and why sports have developed in this manner, and how the process is contoured by identity politics;

*To examine the impact of this on sportspeople in terms of their motivation to become national team athletes, their experiences of such representation and the impact of this on identity (personal and social);

*To offer a greater insight into the consequences of this for understanding identity (broadly speaking) and sport, both in terms of sport policy but also good relations more generally.

Guiding References

Bairner, A. 2001. Sport, Nationalism and Globalization: European and North American Perspectives. Albany: State University of New York Press.

Bleakney, J. and Darby, P. 2017. ‘The pride of east Belfast: Glentoran Football Club and the (re)production of Ulster unionist identities in Northern Ireland’, International Review for the Sociology of Sport. Online first, http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1012690217690346.

Elias, N. 2013. [1989] Studies on the Germans. Collected Works, Vol. 11. Dublin: UCD Press.

Liston, K. and Deighan, M. 2018. ‘Whose “Wee Country”? Identity politics and sport in Northern Ireland’, Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power. Forthcoming, https://doi.org/10.1080/1070289X.2017.1392103

Nic Craith, M. 2003. Culture and Identity Politics in Northern Ireland. London: PalgraveMacmillan.

Tuck, J. 2003. ‘Making sense of Emerald commotion: Rugby union, national identity and Ireland’, Identities. 10 (4): 495-515.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living