Protecting our Girls? Power and Agency in Anti-Immigration ‘Grooming Gang’ Narratives Aston University in United Kingdom

This funded PhD project at Aston University investigates the emergence and development of the ‘protect our girls’ narrative within anti-immigration ‘grooming gang’ discourses. Using sociological and socio-linguistic methods, the research will analyse a linguistic dataset drawn from Reddit subforums and traditional media reports. The project employs a mixed methods design, combining social network analysis and critical discourse analysis, to trace how these narratives have evolved from grassroots public discourse to legitimised institutional rhetoric.

The analysis will focus on the semantic structure of these narratives, examining how they construct and reinforce hierarchies of power, trade off competing rights claims between in-groups and othered outgroups, and create a gendered and racialised economy of action, entitlement, and exclusion. The project is based in the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, Birmingham, UK, and will be supervised by Dr Graeme Hayes and Dr A Booth.

Applicants should hold, or expect to achieve, a First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree and a Masters degree with Merit or Distinction in relevant subjects. Required skills include a Master's (or equivalent) in linguistics or a related social scientific field and familiarity with critical discourse analysis methods. Desirable skills include understanding sociological frameworks for narrative analysis and familiarity with social network analysis methods. Overseas qualifications will be considered if equivalent.

The position is fully funded, covering all tuition fees and providing an annual stipend. However, the successful candidate is responsible for costs related to relocation, campus visits, visa, flights, and NHS Surcharge. International students must ensure they can meet these financial requirements before applying. The project is based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, and regular in-person visits are expected.

To apply, submit a complete application including transcripts, certificates, a research statement, personal statement, CV, two academic references (one from your most recent university), evidence of English language proficiency, and a copy of your passport. Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. For project enquiries, contact Dr Graeme Hayes at [email protected]. For application process questions, contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected].

Further information about financial requirements for international students can be found on the Aston University website. The application deadline is May 1, 2026.