Identity, Culture, and Society
About Identity, Culture, and Society
Our research theme of Identity, Culture, and Society seeks to understand Identity and Selfhood Construction from the prism of social and cultural phenomena. We believe that it is becoming an increasingly prominent area of research as we transcend into a digital age of communication. Our research has both social and societal impact, as well as impact on our teaching.
Our collaborators
Our aim is to produce research that has a positive impact on the local and global community. Some of our stakeholders include, but are not limited to:
- The local residential community of Bradford, and West Yorkshire
- Muslim Womens Council
- The Wolfson Center of Applied Research
- Commonwealth Theatre Company
- Lung Theatre Company.
Our approach
On a micro-level, we investigate and re-imagine theory surrounding Self-concept(s), and Identity in a kaleidoscope of areas. On a macro-level, we re-imagine and challenge theories of Cultural Formation and its ‘real-life’ impact on areas such as the interplay between self-interest and group interest.
For example, we have contributed to the understanding of consumption, fandoms rhetoric in cyberspace, media and gender representations, and the LGBTQ+ movement.
Research areas
- Same-Sex Families
- Gender
- Media Representations
- Popular Culture
- Ethnic Relations
- Social Class
- Cyber Societies Gender Representations
- Social Media & Film.
Speaking Pictures, Silent Voices: Female Athletes and the Negotiation of Selfhood
Via innovating and combining qualitative research methods, the aim of this project was to explore how female athletes are caught in a complex matrix of power, post–feminist neoliberalism, and self–presentation. Their visual representations are perfect for determining how this cohort of women negotiates complex social discourses around identity, the Body and femininity.
This projected initiated and addressed some thought provoking questions around traditional stereotypes of femininity, the Body, and ‘femaleness.’ It used Serena Williams as a case study to explore how Williams combines both her femininity and strong physicality to self-shape a myth-like persona, setting her apart from appeasing the ‘male consumer gaze,’ and creating a powerful representation for the ‘female consumer gaze.’
This research is being undertaken by Dr Hannah Intezar.
