Title : Postgraduate Scholarship on Social Transformation and International Migration
Research Areas : Humanities & Social Sciences
Type : Postgraduate Research
Description:
Professor Stephen Castles, Research Chair in Sociology, is seeking up to three outstanding doctoral candidates to carry out PhD research commencing 2011 semester 1, linked to the ARC-funded research project ‘Social Transformation and International Migration in the 21st Century’. This five-year project will re-examine the theoretical and methodological basis of international migration research.The Project: The starting point for the project is the assumption that human mobility is a normal part of social life. At times of rapid change international migration tends to grow in volume and to become increasingly important as a factor helping to reshape societies. Migration is thus not just a result of change nor a cause of change, but an integral part of social transformation processes. This project is interdisciplinary, and is designed to explore linkages across socio-spatial levels. Global factors are conceptualised as having varying effects in different places, because they are mediated by local and national historical experiences and cultural patterns. An interdisciplinary approach can link the insights of micro-level research in sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, with the more macro-level analyses of economics, politics, political economy, law and geography. The project has three phases:
- Theoretical and conceptual work to improve understanding of the relationship between social transformation and migration
- Fieldwork in regions strongly affected by both social transformation and migration: Mexico and Ghana as predominantly origin regions for migrants and the Republic of Korea and Australia as predominantly destination regions
- The national and local case study findings will be used to revise and rethink the conceptual framework
Successful applicants will be expected to participate in the theoretical and methodological work of the project and in at least one of the case studies. There may also be opportunities for periods as visiting researchers, both in the fieldwork countries and at leading migration research centres at the University of Oxford and elsewhere.
Eligibility:
Applicants should have the following attributes:- A good honours or masters degree in a relevant social science (this may be sociology or another appropriate discipline)
- Strong research and analytical skills as demonstrated through publications, writing samples or the equivalent
- Strong interest in international migration and familiarity with literature and debates in this field
- Good written and verbal communications skills and ability to work in a team
- Knowledge of the language, culture and society of at least one of the fieldwork areas
Applicants must apply for admission into a degree separately with the University. More information can be found at http://www.usyd.edu.au/future_students/how_to_apply.shtml.
Amount awarded:
The scholarship is equivalent to the APA rate ($22,500 per annum in 2010) and shall be tenable for up to three years , subject to satisfactory progress. In special circumstances an extension of up to 6 months may be allowed. International students are welcome to apply however this scholarship does not cover tuition fees payable by international students.Application guide:
Applications should be addressed to Prof. Castles and sent to Ms Kate Quinn, Research Support Officer, School of Social and Political Sciences, R.C. Mills Building (A26) Room 144, University of Sydney NSW 2006 (Phone: +61 (0)2 9036 5422; Email: kate.quinn@sydney.edu.au).Applications should include a cover letter addressing the eligibility attributes, an outline of your research interest, a copy of an academic transcript, and the names and contact details of at least two referees. Please contact Ms Quinn with queries relating to the application process.
Applicants may also contact Prof. Castles directly to discuss their ideas for the research project and a face-to-face, telephone or Skype conversation can be arranged where appropriate. Prof. Castles can be contacted at the School of Social and Political Sciences, (Phone: +61 (0)2 9351 2641; Fax: 02 9036 9380; Email: stephen.castles@sydney.edu.au).
