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PhD Workshop: 'Thinking Critically about Governance: Explorations of Power
in Practice', 15-17 April 2009, University of Bath.
The Governance Research Group in the Department of Social and Policy
Sciences at the University of Bath is pleased to present a doctoral
workshop, 'Thinking Critically about Governance: Explorations of Power in
Practice', sponsored by the University of Bath and the Social Policy
Association.
This will be a fully participative and interactive event, organised around
three key themes in contemporary governance studies (see below). The
workshop will consist of a series of key note talks around these themes led
by Professor Janet Newman and Professor John Clarke at the Open University,
and Dr Emma Carmel at the University of Bath, followed by a series of small
group discussions. The small group discussions will be facilitated by the
key note speakers, and will provide an opportunity for delegates to present
PhD work in progress in relation to one of the key themes. The workshop
will therefore provide an opportunity for participants to talk about their
research in the context of the themes, and progress their understanding of
some of the key issues in governance studies. The purpose of the workshop
is therefore to have a productive discussion around some of the challenging
issues in governance studies in a supportive environment, and move
participants forward in their own thinking and research on governance. In
addition, one of the intended outcomes of the event is a governance
research network which, it is hoped, will engage participants and others in
future events and collaborations.
The workshop will explore critically the following themes in the governance
literature:
1. The Logics and Principles of Governance
This theme explores the principles and logics which govern the way
governing is done, and the implications of these for the exercise of power.
It is concerned with the various discourses, ideologies, and concepts which
underpin, and make possible, forms of governance arrangements in terms of
both the governing structure and level. A predominant, but not exclusive,
focus will be placed on the role of the state, and particular attention
will be given to examining changing principles and logics of governance and
what can therefore be identified as the changing role of the state.
2. Governing Social Worlds
This theme explores the question of who is being governed; how publics,
peoples and groups are addressed or created for the purposes of governance.
It will consider how people are activated and engaged in governance, how
self regulating or self governing subjects are produced, or how they resist
and what form resistance takes.
3. The Processes and Practices of Governance
This theme explores the dynamics of governance processes, and is concerned
with how governance is played out in practice on the ground. It will
consider the tensions and contradictions in governance strategies, what
they produce, and how actors respond to these ambiguities. This theme will
therefore consider different modes of governance and their practices, and
the implications for the actors/organisations involved.
Through critical examination of the key themes, the workshop will address
the cross-cutting theme of power. The workshop will seek to tease out some
of the conceptual and analytical challenges that the idea of power presents
to researchers of governance, and progress participants' understanding of
power relations in governance studies.
If you do not wish to attend the workshop but may be interested in joining
a possible research network on governance after the event, please contact
us and we will add you to our mailing list.
Information for Applicants
The workshop will take place from 15-17 April 2009 at the University of
Bath. The workshop fee per participant is £65, which includes
accommodation, meals, workshop materials and a dinner in the World Heritage
City of Bath. Please note that participants will have to cover their own
travel expenses.
Interested applicants are invited to send an abstract of their PhD research
which addresses one of the key themes of the workshop. Abstracts must be no
more than 500 words. The deadline for abstracts is 16 Jan 2009. Abstracts
received after this date will not be considered, due to the limited number
of places available. Applicants will be advised whether they have been
successful by 16 Feb 2009.
The workshop seeks contributions from PhD students from a range of
disciplines who address critically the key themes of the workshop
including: Social Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political
Science, International Relations, Health and Social Care Studies, Social
Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology. It is intended to have a mix of
students in each discussion group, from a range of universities and
disciplines.
For further questions, please contact [log in to unmask]
We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Bath,
Jenny Harlock, Sarah Morgan-Trimmer, Hannah Durrant.
Governance Research Group
Department of Social and Policy Sciences
University of Bath
BA2 7AY
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