PhD Studentship: Human Rights in Postgrowth Proposals and Policies

Overview

This is an opportunity to conduct fully funded interdisciplinary research under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.

Amidst concern that the prevailing ‘green growth’ model advanced under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will not avert climate, ecological and socioeconomic crises, increasing attention is being given to alternative post-growth and growth-agnostic policy approaches at a wide range of governmental and institutional levels. Research on the relationships between human rights and post-growth proposals such as degrowth or doughnut economics – in theory and practice - is in its infancy. This research project would develop the understanding of obstacles and opportunities to centre human rights in postgrowth approaches as a normative and legal foundation, to protect dignity and well-being and against the abuse of power. 

Interdisciplinary focus

International human rights law will provide a normative framing to analyse current shortcomings for human well-being in green transitions, and equally to analyse postgrowth proposals such as degrowth and doughnut economics and their contribution to social and environmental justice, and how this is advanced in local contexts. The project will incorporate political ecology (and human geography more broadly) approaches to analysing degrowth or doughnut economics as a series of proposals and programs that substantiate concrete alternatives within existing socio-economic arrangements and locations. 

Political ecology, as the study of the intersection and relationship between politics, economics and the environment, will ensure a clear emphasis on social, economic and environmental processes as determinants of human rights. Political ecology focuses on mobilising critical social science approaches to these intersections, making use of a broad methodological approach incorporating qualitative methods such as ethnography, in-depth interviews and focus groups. Such methods can lead to an understanding of the way that postgrowth proposals may or may not produce socio-economic tensions and conflicts that bear upon human rights.

Training and Support

You will be supported through the Sustainable Transitions training programme which provides initial training in interdisciplinary research methods, training in the secondary discipline within the project area and ongoing training throughout the duration of the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from the support of Proficio entitles you to £2,500 that can be used to purchase training courses either within or external to the University. Additionally all scholars are entitled to an additional £10,000 that can be used for research costs and training. Doctoral scholars are encouraged to audit/attend University masters and degree level courses where appropriate. You will also have the support of the Sustainable Transitions management team as well as your own supervisory team. All Sustainable Transitions scholars will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’ through which ongoing events and networking opportunities are available.

Person specification 

This successful applicant will have a postgraduate taught degree (e.g. international law, international development, political ecology, environmental studies, human geography, human rights, gender studies) that includes a focus on human rights.

They will also have an interest in developing interdisciplinary research drawing on social science based approaches.

Research Proposal

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team. 

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