ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship: Non-contentious Politics? An Examination of the Ways in which Global Disability Rights Ideals are Operationalised in China and its Global Implications

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

The University of Nottingham as part of Midlands Graduate School is now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner – UK-based charity Ability Beyond Borders (ABB) – to commence in October 2026. 

Historically, the focus of much advocacy and activism around inequality and injustice has been on the degree to which individuals/communities enjoy basic human rights. While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and subsequent instruments have developed a degree of global consensus, major differences remain. Taking China as a case study, this sociological project explores how global human rights ideals are operationalised in politically restricted contexts. It focuses on the (re-)negotiation of disability rights as articulated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2006) to understand how rights-based advocacy might be utilised (there and, potentially, elsewhere) beyond the ‘contentious politics’ familiar to the ‘Global North’.

In 2008, China signed and ratified the CRPD bringing much-needed improvements to disabled peoples’ lives. Despite this, high levels of discrimination and prejudice remain, keeping them in poverty and limiting their potential to enjoy those CRPD-valorised rights. While disability groups there have contributed to developments, increasing political restrictions are making this more difficult. The situation is further complicated by the tension between human rights-focused frameworks and their ‘domestication’ more generally. If we cannot assume the automatic persuasiveness of human rights-based perspectives around the world, therefore, what other ways might be more effective in supporting the realisation of disabled people’s rights to equality and inclusion?

This PhD studentship offers the opportunity to research this challenging topic under the supervision of an experienced team comprising Professor Sarah Dauncey (Sociology and Social Policy), Professor Peter Bartlett (Law) and Stephen Hallett (Executive Director, ABB). Working flexibly with ABB and conducting six month’s fieldwork in China, the successful candidate will gain transferable skills relating to international civil society operations and contribute to developing effective paradigms for real-world change. Candidates should have a degree in sociology, law or relevant social science discipline, and demonstrable interest in disability and social justice. Working competency in Mandarin Chinese is also required.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online via the 'Apply' button above. Applicants will be required to upload an anonymised CV, anonymised cover letter, and transcripts as part of the online application process.

Application deadline: Midday, 23^rd February 2026. Interviews planned for 10^th/11^th March 2026.

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research or School of Sociology and Social Policy prior to application can be directed to Professor Sarah Dauncey (sarah.dauncey@nottingham.ac.uk).

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