Sustainable Masculinities and Environmental Education

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements 

Funding details: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/EU/International)

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: 30 June 2021

Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2021

For queries contact: Professor Suzanne Clisby

Introduction

Coventry University is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully funded PhD studentship the Centre for Global Learning (GLEA). GLEA conducts fundamental research that impacts upon the higher education sector, creating better futures and societies.

Project Details

This Sustainable Masculinities and Environmental Education PhD research project will explore pathways to positive environmental action and educational initiatives through an innovative approach.

Rather than conduct an analysis focusing primarily on environmental actions themselves, here we begin with an exploration of the roots of that activism among male activists. In so doing, this research will facilitate better understandings of intersectional masculine identities and experiential triggers that lead some men to become advocates and activists for environmental justice.

Here we build on, but, importantly, move away from the theoretical trope of hegemonic masculinities as traditionally linked to particular normative, dominant, masculinised constructs, such as the masculinisation of particular forms of economic and cultural capital and concomitant feminisation and domination of nature and the ‘exotic other’.

Rather, this research will interrogate constructions of alternative ‘non-hegemonic’ masculinities, what we refer to as sustainable masculinities, and their connections to models of good practice in environmental education and activism.

Through empirical in-depth life-course analysis with men working in diverse cultural contexts we will explore how they were able to develop their models of sustainable masculinities, to understand what masculinity means for them, and consider what led them to become environmental activists and educators of the next generation.

Funding

This is a fully-funded studentship including full tuition fees (UK/EU/International) plus stipend (based upon the applicable UKRI rate at the point of the award) and additional allowances.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
  PLUS the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.

In addition

• Successful completion of Masters programme in a cogent field would be an advantage.
• Demonstrating relevant experience is an advantage - for example experience of paid or unpaid work in the fields of environmental activism/education or working with men and masculinities.