Racist hate speech: How bystanders become upstanders when witnessing derogatory remarks

We are looking for a PhD researcher to conduct research on racist hate speech. The studentship is funded by a Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship at the University of Greenwich and is linked the Institute for Lifecourse Development (Centre for Inequalities.) 

The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant community of academics and fellow PhD researchers based at our Greenwich campus in London, where they will be supervised by Professor Sofia Stathi, Dr Jo Kenrick, and Professor Jill Jameson. A comprehensive programme of ongoing training and career development is provided by the Research & Enterprise Training Institute (RETI) at the University of Greenwich. 

About the Project   

Insulting statements intended to derogate an individual or group based on perceived attributes such as race are often referred to as hate speech. Racist hate speech is on the rise and threatens vulnerable groups as well as the cohesion of democratic societies. The Council of Europe explicitly highlights the link between hate speech and escalation to violence, and recommends attention and action via education and counter-speech. As such, the topic of hate speech requires urgent scholarly attention that not only highlights its consequences but also identifies strategies that tackle it.    

This PhD will focus on examining:   

(a) how witnessing racist hate speech influences bystanders, and (b) how to counter racist hate speech and enhance allyship with victimised ethnic groups.   

Both are important to protect and support victims, and to understand and support bystanders who are also (indirectly) affected. Understanding these will provide a more nuanced perspective on the broader effects of racist hate speech and will highlight (individual and contextual) factors that can not only help tackle racist hate speech but also demonstrate allyship with victimised ethnic groups.   

The project will follow a study structure that is designed to allow for the progressive development of high-quality research, supporting growth and ambition. The successful candidate will need to be familiar with quantitative methodologies and will be encouraged to expand on the existing project plan, contributing their own ideas in consultation with the supervisory team.  

The project must commence before the end of February 2025. 

Funding:  

The VC Scholarship is funded in line with the UKRI rate, currently £21,237 per annum (including London weighting of £2000). In addition, the successful candidate will receive a contribution to the cost of tuition fees at the home student rate (currently £4,786 Full-time). Overseas students who are successful will have to meet the difference between the home fee, included in the funding, and the overseas fee. 

Duration:  

3 years Full-Time Study or 6 years Part-Time Study. 

How to Apply: 

Please review the following link, containing the person specification and other relevant information, before making an application: https://www.gre.ac.uk/docs/rep/communications-and-recruitment/racist-hate-speech-how-bystanders-become-upstanders-when-witnessing-derogatory-remarks.

For an informal conversation about the project, please contact Professor Sofia Stathi (s.stathi@greenwich.ac.uk) or Dr. Jo Kenrick (j.m.kenrick@greenwich.ac.uk). 

Please read this information before making an application. Information on the application process is available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process. Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered. Please ensure that you select ‘MPhil/PhD Human Sciences’ from the list to ensure prompt processing of applications.  

All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered: 

• VC Scholarship Reference Number VCS-FEHHS-01-24 included in the personal statement section
• Personal Statement* – outlining your motivation for applying for this PhD, and your previous research experience (e.g., as a research assistant or completing a dissertation).
• Academic qualification certificates/transcripts*
• IELTS/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *
• Your complete CV*
• Two reference letters (one ideally from a dissertation supervisor)*
• Research Proposal* Please provide a brief research proposal (maximum 1500 words) outlining how you would develop this research. Please refer to the Research Proposal structure: https://docs.gre.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/270049/research-proposal-template.pdf
• Please ensure that you submit to the MPhil/PhD Human Sciences programme.

*upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments must be in PDF format.  You will need to submit this as 1 single PDF, to be uploaded as attachment.  

Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.