Research

    Gender, race and education

    three students sitting around a textbook

    Gender, race and education research

    Explore our work in gender, race and education, one of our areas of research expertise in Education


    Social exclusion sometimes works in subtle ways, and it can be hard to identify when children and young people are being deprived of the same opportunities to do well and thrive.

    Through our research in Gender, Race and Education, we aim to identify, explore and engage with these subtler forms of discrimination, in order to find new ways of bridging the gap and make an active contribution to a fairer, more equal world.

    For example, we're looking into the ways in which dimensions of identity can lead to specific forms of inclusion and exclusion in schools, how pregnancy and parenthood can act as constraints to educational attainment, and whether the gender of teachers matters in relation to learning.

    Our work is regularly published in leading academic journals within the field, including Gender and Education, Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, and Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education.

    Our research focuses on the following key topics

    • Gender, race and education
    • Gypsy identities
    • Intersectionality
    • Gender in the Global South

    Partnerships

    Through the Erasmus programme, we benefit from a number of partnerships with other universities in Europe, and we also have collaborative relationships with organisations in the rest of the world, including in South Africa, India, Pakistan and China.

    Locally, we're connected with a number of charities, such as The Girls Network, whose work aims to broaden the aspirations and possibilities for young girls coming from contexts of disadvantage.

    Within the University, we also work collaboratively with other schools and faculties – and we're currently carrying out a study, with the Faculty of Engineering, on the participation and engagement of girls with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. Our work is also frequently funded by organisations such as the British Academy.

    Recent publication highlights include

    Discover our areas of expertise

    Gender, race and education is one of our 5 areas of expertise in Education research – explore the others below.
    Early years education

    In this area of expertise, we're exploring the experiences and opportunities that play a role in the development of young children.

    Teacher's hand extracting early years book from shelf
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    Gender, race and education

    Our work is identifying, exploring and engaging with forms of discrimination across gender and race in the education system.

    Female student in library looking over paperwork
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    Mental health in childhood and education

    Through our research, we're exploring the issue of mental health and mental illness in young people.

    Young women painting glassware
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    Youth and digital networking

    Our research in this area of expertise is investigating how young people aged 13–19 use social media and digital technologies in their daily lives.

    Young male student using his mobile phone
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    Research groups

    Global Education, Children And Outreach (GECO) Research Group
    We're researching education and childhood, with a focus on social justice and the right of the child.
    Higher Education Research Group
    We're researching all aspects of higher education policies and practices which impact on the staff and student experience.
    Mental Health In Childhood And Education (MICE) Hub
    We're promoting research and projects in the field of mental health in childhood, from wellbeing in early years to bullying in schools.

    Interested in a PhD in Education?

    Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Education postgraduate research degrees page.