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PhD Studentship, University of Brighton
Nov 14 04
Source: BCS-HCI
FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SCIENCES University of Brighton
PhD STUDENTSHIP
Connections, Mobilities, and the Culture of the Backpacker
Applications are invited for the following PhD studentship jointly supervised by The Centre for Tourism Policy Studies and the School of Computing, Mathematical & Information Sciences.
In the context of traditional backpacker travel (typically, just before or just after university) this project focuses on the ways in which the cohesiveness of social networks (especially links with home and immediate
family) has changed with the advent of 'instant' communications (text messages, picture messaging, internet cafes, emails etc.). The aim of this project is to examine how and to whom youngsters communicate their mobility along the backpacker trails thus enabling us to gain greater understanding of the uses people make of new and emerging ICTs.
In an article called "Connections" in Society and Space (2004 Vol 22(1)) John Urry talks about 'connections at a distance' and 'intermittent connections that hold social life together' and these thoughts prompt certain research questions such as:
1. How, precisely, do backpackers use ICTs?
2. How do the mix of non-digital media such as guidebooks and
hostel notice boards/ word of mouth, letters and postcards fit into the communication mix?
3. How are subjective notions of 'here' and 'there' mediated by
instant communications with home and social networks?
4. Do instant communications form a notional umbilical cord
that limit or alter the experience of backpacking?
5. Are there gender differences in the cultures of
communication amongst backpackers?
6. How does instant communication compare to pre-instant
communication (including diaries, postcards and letters) used by the baby-boomer backpackers who travelled in the 1960s-70s?
7. Do the comparisons between 'now' and 'then' throw any light
on relationships with host societies?
Methodology
This is essentially a qualitative study. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake an exhaustive literature review, interview samples of current and former backpackers, analyze communications between home and away and undertake an extensive piece of fieldwork. Candidates should be prepared to travel for extensive periods away from home. A significant contribution will be made towards the travel costs associated with the fieldwork.
Further details about the project can be obtained from Dr Lyn Pemberton or Professor Peter Burns.
Supervisors
Professor Peter Burns, Centre for Tourism Policy Studies, School of Service
Management:
(centops@brighton.ac.uk)
Dr Lyn Pemberton, School of Computing, Mathematical & Information Sciences:
(lp22@brighton.ac.uk)
Studentship details
A three-year full-time stipend will be offered to the successful candidate.
The student will be based at CENTOPS, which is located in the Eastbourne Campus.
Applications
An application pack containing details of what to include in the research synopsis can be obtained from Mercedita Hoare (Research Student Division Administrator), Centre for Tourism Policy Studies, Darley Road, Eastbourne BN20 7UR, UK. Email: mh33@brighton.ac.uk. Telephone: + 44 (0) 1273-643633.
The completed application form (clearly labeled MIS Studentship - Tourism) together with a research synopsis which identifies the applicant's interest in and academic potential to complete the project should be sent to:
Registry
University of Brighton
Mithras House
Lewes Road
Brighton BN2 4AT
All applications must be received by Tues, 30th Nov 2004. Application interviews will be held at the Centre for Tourism Policy Studies, Eastbourne Campus on Mon, 13th Dec 2004.