Culture, identity and society (CIS)

The interdisciplinary culture, identity and society cluster (CIS) draws on critical theory to examine the intersection between social structures and identities in local, national and transnational cultural contexts. The work of the cluster seeks to interrogate and expose the operation of power and social inequalities, and to critically examine hegemonic discourses which shape the production of knowledge and identities. We develop and explore contemporary interdisciplinary critical social theory and engage in a wide variety of sociocultural 'sites' as contexts for this work including: leisure, consumption, embodiment, mediated communication, sexualities, masculinities, childhood, science, mobilities, spatialities, technologies, work, the environment, and outer space.

Our work centres on the following areas:

Social movements

We seek to explore and re-envision social movements which are collective challenges based on common goals, purposes and solidarities which engage in sustained interaction with elites, authorities and opponents. We examine social movements in local, national and transnational contexts and raise questions concerning participation, resistance, representation, ideology, values, and societal change.

Personal and social transformations

We investigate the relationships between psychic and social transformations which incorporates three inter-related elements: individual and social practices for transformation, political engagements, and social policy initiatives and their implications. We reflect on how these interact to restrict and enable subjective, political and policy change. Topics include self and identity, gender, sexuality, violence, bodies, consumption, citizenship, work, migration and diaspora, psychosocial interventions and mental health.

Social and political theory

We provide a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas in exploring new and existing modes of theorising in relation to concrete social and political events and discuss the implications these have for thinking through and making sense of some of the important events of our time.

Consumption, identity and representation

As contemporary individuals are apparently increasingly encouraged to 'do' individuality through reflexive consumption choices, our research is founded on the conviction that rather than being simply a matter of individual choice, taste, desire and consumption are embedded in socially structured material differences which are reproduced through social representation and mediation. Consequently the study of the relationship between consumption, identity and representation can illuminate modern processes of inclusion and exclusion, ethics, agency and the justification of privilege.

The group is committed to theoretically informed and methodologically innovative high-quality research. The group prides itself on the use and development of diverse and innovative research methodologies with which to meaningfully work with partner organisations in producing accessible research. There is particular emphasis on critically and politically engaged community-based research, and collaborative research with a wide range of organisations and partners. Doctoral students working in these areas meet regularly with staff and we welcome informal enquiries from those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in any of the above areas. Contact Dr Hannah Frith H.L.Frith@brighton.ac.uk

Cluster members

The CIS cluster is led by Dr Hannah Frith and current members include: