Colleagues from the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events (CCSE) at University of the West of Scotland (UWS) are eligible to supervise students in the area of sport, leisure and tourism (Unit of Assessment 24) for the SGSSS Student-led Open Competition which is now open for applications. We are keen to invite expressions of interest in several research topic areas, related to the SGSSS Challenge-Led Pathways (https://www.sgsss.ac.uk/about-us/challenge-led-pathways/).
If you are interested in discussing an application with CCSE colleagues, in the first instance contact the SGSSS UoA Lead for UWS; david.mcgillivray@uws.ac.uk.
Priority Topics of interest
Sport (events), human rights and EDI
• The governance arrangements for human rights in mega sport events. In this research area we are interested in exploring what governance arrangements are most effective in respecting, protecting and promoting human rights in the context of major and mega sport events. We are interested in institutional arrangements and how stakeholders at all levels are involved in planning and decision-making processes so that the progressive rhetoric is translated into effective practice.
• Protest and activism related to sport and events. In this research area we are interested in the ways civil society engages with sport and events, from grassroots community groups to international NGOs and coalitions like the Sport & Rights Alliance, to create pressure for change, particularly around human rights related areas. This research focuses on effective strategies for action, including in relation to communications with sports fans and/or the public, as well as exploring social movement perspectives on events as a way of thinking beyond sport mega-events as they currently exist.
• Sportswashing, soft power and cultural diplomacy. In this research area we are interested in investigating the role sport mega-events play in the projection of soft power and how this meshes with discourses of human rights. This builds on extensive previous research on soft power and cultural diplomacy approaches to understanding events. We are interested in how the soft power strategies of hosts address (or elide) issues with human rights and the potential for change through the hosting of events. We are also interested in ways sport organizations and other actors have resisted or can resist sportswashing, particularly in terms of investments and financial takeovers. Relatedly, we are also interested in assessing the validity of the critique that sportswashing is an orientalist label applied by western media to Middle Eastern hosts, in particular.
• Sport events and disability rights. In this research area we are interested in investigating what event owners, event managers, and host cities are doing to ensure that policies and practices around their events improve the experiences of persons with disabilities. We are also interested in how various forms of ableism are limiting event stakeholders and owners from recognising disability in their own event context and in exploring what event owners, organising committees and host agencies can do to foreground a disability rights perspective in future events.
• Gender based violence in sport. In this research area we are interested in exploring the prevalence, mechanisms, and experiences of gender-based violence within sport contexts through an intersectional approach, and how sports and sporting events seek to address gender-based violence. We are also interested in how sport and sporting events can be conducted in ways that are empowering for survivors of gender-based violence.
• Menstruation and sport. In this research area we are interested in menstrual justice within sports contexts: what access do athletes, spectators, employees and others within sports contexts have to suitable, and hygienic menstrual products? How do social stigmas surrounding menstruation impact menstruation experiences within sports contexts? How can dignified menstruation experiences be created within sporting contexts?
• Sport and physical activity policy: In this research area we are interested in the enhanced understanding of the impact of policy on participation and engagement within sport and physical activity. The focus of the research area is on the understanding of inequalities and intersectionality and how they impact upon individuals and communities. We are also interested in particular policy approaches e.g., systems-based approaches and wider socio-political issues such as inclusion, social justice and diversity that impact upon policy development and enactment.
Tourism
• Cultural Heritage and Tourism: We invite research proposals that explore the relationship between cultural heritage and tourism, focusing on how tourism influences the preservation of cultural traditions and practices. Research should address both the challenges and opportunities tourism presents for safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage. We encourage studies that examine authenticity in cultural heritage tourism, the role of education in fostering appreciation among visitors, and community-led initiatives aimed at preserving cultural identity.
• Inclusive Strategies for Tourism Development: We invite research proposals that explore participatory tourism planning, highlighting the significance of community engagement in developing tourism initiatives. Research should focus on strategies for involving local stakeholders such as residents, businesses, and government in the planning process to ensure their voices are heard.
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