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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:
([log in to unmask])
Dr Lyn Pemberton, School of Computing, Mathematical & Information Sciences:
([log in to unmask])
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: [log in to unmask] 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.
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