Project
Title: Globally
marketed 'lifestyle'
and 'extreme'
pursuits and
their social
and cultural
interaction
with more traditional,
nationally-based
sports
Supervisors:
Prof
Martin Lawn and Dr
Simon Beames
Research
topic:
-
Professional
experience:
I
have been a passionate slalom, white-water and
surf kayaker since childhood. I remain a very active
practitioner, with a current veteran premier/division
1 slalom ranking!
I have
had an extensive background in outdoor education,
in a wide range of contexts, including a number
of years as head of a Local Authority Centre. I
also have full Scottish teaching registration and
considerable classroom experience. At present,
I am working as a supply teacher in the Scottish
Borders, whilst carrying out PhD research part-time.
I originally
graduated from Newcastle University in 1977 with
a BSc in Agriculture. I then obtained a PGCE
(secondary teaching: Biology, PE) in 1978. More
recently I have worked through the Open University
system, up to a master's degree in history. On
the way, I gained a diploma in French and a BA
in humanities. My master's dissertation on 'The
Social and Cultural Context of Canoë-Kayak
in France' earned a distinction.
Research interests:
My research
interests lie in the study of globally marketed
'lifestyle' and 'extreme' pursuits and their social
and cultural interaction with more traditional
nationally based sports. In particular, I am investigating
the development of freestyle kayaking in France,
to evaluate the extent to which this represents
a facet of American cultural and commercial hegemony.
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