BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7264

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A hairless body; An interpretative phenomenological analysis of alopecia universalis.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Alopecia areata is not a life-threatening condition, but it is life-altering and it can affect an individual's psychological, emotional and social well-being. Yet little research has explored the personal experiences of individuals living with alopecia areata particularly outside of the UK or USA. This research set out to explore what it means to live with hair loss diagnosed as alopecia universalis in Finland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Skype with three women. Using Interpretative phenomenological analysis, this thesis investigated individuals' narratives of making sense of their experiences and further adjusting and coping with the condition. It was revealed that the hair loss on the head and around eyes was most distressing aspect of the condition along with the uncertainty and unpredictability. Although the individuals felt that their lives have not been restricted by the condition, the altered appearance raised questions about 'the self' and identity, particularly in the beginning of their AA career.
A phenomenological enquiry into the micro behaviours of female undergraduate students faced with sexual harassment in public spaces.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This research aimed to explore the micro behaviours of female undergraduate students faced with sexual harassment in public spaces associated with university life and the everyday experiences of female students within these contexts. The research investigated if gender based harassment has become normalised amongst university students and how external factors have contributed to this normalisation, more specifically the emergence of 'lad culture' and the impact it has had on female students within Scottish universities. This was achieved using a framework of feminist theory and feminist phenomenology to conduct semi-structured interviews which provided in-depth accounts of the experiences of female undergraduate students during their time at university. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis showed three key themes which emerged from the data collected: Lad Culture, Pressure to Conform and Self-Blame. The findings from the study support previous research from the National Union of Student (2015) suggesting that lad culture affects every aspect of student life which has a wide range of implications for female students. The findings from this study develop upon the work of Ferraro (1995) to conclude that the pressures to engage in this 'lad culture' leave female students vulnerable to sexual harassment and in more extreme cases rape.
A phenomenological investigation into the lived experiences of young motherhood in Scotland and their transitions into Higher Education within the context of Welfare Reforms in the UK.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the lived experiences of young motherhood in Scotland. The study seeks to highlight young mother's experiences as they transition into higher education, alongside investigating subsequent experiences within the context of welfare reforms in the UK. Data was generated from four semi-structured interviews with 21 year old mothers, each falling pregnant at 15, 16 or 18 years old. The interviews were designed to produce multidimensional understandings of the lived experiences of young mothers in higher education in Scotland. Key themes derived from the research analysis include stigma, social isolation, financial support for childcare, and lastly formal and informal support networks. What became clear from the analysis was the overriding experience of 'felt' stigma, whereby all of the participants confided in an overwhelming fear of humiliation and discrimination. Dominant government and media rhetoric appear to have impacted the participant's experiences. Financial stigma reiterates a strong presence of neoliberal discourse regarding the 'deserving' and 'undeserving' dichotomy. Adverse social implications of young motherhood were uncovered through experiences of social isolation and a loss of friendship bonds, demonstrating detrimental psycho-social implications. However what became evident was the lack of consistency across the university experiences, as financial support for childcare was a significant factor in aiding young mother's transitions into higher education.
A Phenomenological Study into the Impact of the 'Coming Out Process' on Young Adults.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
The aim of this piece of research is to investigate the lived experiences of young people who have gone through the process of coming out as gay or bisexual. The research shall focus on the participants' thoughts and feelings on coming out and how they conceptualised their sexuality before they came out; and on participants' thoughts and feeling on coming out and their perceptions of their own sexuality after they came out, as well as the reactions of others to their coming out. In order to gather data semi structured interviews were conducted with four participants, two gay males and two females, one who is bisexual and who identifies as a lesbian. Following the interviews, the data were subjected to a rigorous process of thematic analysis. One major finding of this research was that participants mobilised a distinct sense of intimate citizenship. Another significant finding was that through holding support from others participants were provided with a sense of validation on their sexual identity.
A phenomenological study of gender based rehabilitation in the prison context, and life after release for female inmates.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the support available to female offenders, both during and after the time of incarceration. I wanted to know what was behind the rise of female incarceration, even though it remains to be a small minority of the prison system (Barry and Ivor 2008), and if, as is often insinuated, women need more support than males due to 'complex needs'. For this I conducted semi-structured interviews with four people, two males and two females. This group include three 'persons with convictions', two of whom work or have worked with offenders, one training to work with offenders and one receiving support after recently being released from prison. My findings indicate that females do receive slightly more support after a period of four years, but not before then, and that males believe females need more support, even though females do not believe they should have more support than males. Overall, research indicates that more support is needed for everyone in the criminal justice system (CJS).
A sociological analysis of child sexualisation in the media: attitudes, perceptions and implications.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This dissertation explores the attitudes and perceptions of media portrayals of child sexualisation amongst a small sample of parents and key influencers. Data was collected from a focus group and individual interviews with four females and four males, who were either parents or key influencers. The focus group method was utilised when interviewing the female participants, and the males were interviewed individually. To be considered a key influencer, participants were required to be a family member or engage with children within a professional capacity e.g. a teacher or a coach. The proliferation of the internet and social media may have resulted in an increasing visibility of the sexualisation of children. By increasing the presence of sexualised content, all media, such as social and print media, video games, celebrity culture and music are all deemed culpable in placing childhood innocence at risk (Faulkner, 2010). Such risks are articulated in previous research which explores the internalisation of sexualised imagery by children, the role of technology and social media, celebrity culture in the lives of children and consumerism of childhood (Temple-Smith, 2016., Edwards, 2011., Walker, 2010., Coy, 2009., Reist, 2008., Maltby et al, 2005). This dissertation project supports the findings of previous academic literature noting that parents and key influencers who participated were very clear that the media are complicit in the perpetuation of the sexualisation of children. The parents and key influencers were also very clear that the media had exploited their extensive reach and influence by placing childhood innocence at risk through the perpetuation of a consumerist culture which sexualises childhood. The impact on children, as evidenced by the research participants, has been a loss of childhood innocence. The narratives provided by the participants highlighted four key factors for consideration when exploring child sexualisation, namely, the consumerism of childhood, technology and new media, peer pressure and the role of parents in terms of being responsible for the sexualisation of childhood, whilst at the same time being considered the only solution The overall findings suggest that society has become desensitised to child sexualisation, resulting in the creation of a new normality, leaving it to the parents and key influencers to navigate, educate and protect their children.
A sociological analysis of Scottish students' attitudes to, and experiences of, casual sex and the 'hookup culture.'
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
This research is a small scale, phenomenological study which explores Scottish students' attitudes to, and experiences of, casual sex and the 'hookup culture.' Casual sex has become more common than traditional dating within university campuses, as over 80% of North American students have reported experiencing a one-night stand (Bogle, 2008). Research suggests that students are having casual sex in what is increasingly characterised as a 'hookup culture' on campus (Meier and Asencio, 2015). The hookup culture signifies an environment or institution where casual sexual activity is relatively high, however, commitment is low (Bogle, 2008). As yet, there is a poverty of research which explores the particular experiences of the 'hookup culture' amongst Scottish students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two male and two female students in Edinburgh. All of the participants provided an in depth and detailed account of their lived experiences and perceptions of casual sex and the hookup culture. This research, which employs a phenomenological theoretical and methodological approach revealed four key aspects of students' perceptions and experiences: 1) Casual sex as a feature of transient student life, 2) The convenience and virtual reality of casual sex, 3) The gendered rules of engagement 4) Alcohol, invisibility and regretful casual sex.
A sociological analysis of tabloid print media representations of women tennis players.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This dissertation aims to analyze the portrayal of women tennis players within tabloid print media during the time period of the Wimbledon grand slam from the past five years. A grounded theory analysis was conducted of the tabloid newspapers, The Daily Mail and The Sun. A secondary data collection method was implemented which was a focus group discussion with 5 amateur tennis players to elicit their views on the representation of women tennis players in the print media. It is apparent from the findings of this dissertation that the print media in relation to tennis still portrays a predominantly negative perception of women's tennis do to the essentialist perceptions of femininity within society. The representations of women tennis player's is focused on the clothes they wear and how they look rather than their performance on court. Additionally, we will see that amateur tennis players are very aware of the negative depictions of women tennis players within print media.
A sociological analysis of the coming out narratives of older and younger gay men.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
The coming out narratives of gay men nowadays compared to the time of the HIV crisis in the 1980s is an area of sociological interest that has so far been omitted from any research. This research aims to bridge the gap of knowledge by attempting to ascertain any similarities and or differences that gay men in the 80s compared to now may have. This is a subjective qualitative piece of research, and it will look at the previous literature conducted on sexuality, before moving on to the methodology of the research and the results.
A sociological enquiry into the educational experiences of children with an additional support need; from the perspective of the learning support assistants
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This dissertation is a sociological enquiry into the educational experiences of children with an additional support need; from the perspective of the learning support assistants within two mainstream primary schools within East Lothian, Scotland. This thesis was designed as a result of the exploration of previously significant research (i.e. Alton-Lee et al. 2000; Gilbert et al. 2010; Silas 2014) which revealed a gap in our understanding of the pedagogic approaches when related to the educational experiences of children with additional support needs. Critically, this thesis utilises an interpretivist epistemology in order to enable an in-depth investigation into the educational experiences of children with an additional support need. As such, the analysis of primary data was synthesised with previous research in this specific area in order to reveal the central most important factors - i.e. inclusion; resources; curriculum and pedagogy; labelling theory; and school size and geographical setting - in defining the educational experiences of children with an additional support need in mainstream primary schools within East Lothian, and to gain greater understanding of these experiences within Scotland as a whole. As a result several recommendations have been made in this dissertation. These recommendations focus on a need to explore how the current 3-18 Curriculum for Excellence can be tailored to meet the needs of children with ASN. In addition, the flexibility of enabling environments was found to be critical in terms of educational outcomes for children with any additional needs. And finally, the acceptance of additional support needs within mainstream primary schools from early years was also found to be critical, particularly with regard to inclusion and interaction.
A sociological examination of the lived experiences of male head teachers of primary schools in Scotland.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This research focuses on the lived experiences of male head teachers of primary schools in Scotland. Gender divide within organisations is commonplace, with the continuing rise of inequality in regards to pay and opportunity. Connell's notion of hegemonic masculinity features highly within this research, with close reference to how this concept can aid our understanding of the ways in which men gain promotion within female dominated occupations. Data were collected in five in depth semi-structured interviews with head teachers of primary schools in Scotland, specifically the Edinburgh area. Participants shared experiences of being a man in a managerial position within a female dominated workplace. This research employs a phenomenological theory to underpin the research findings. Using the rigorous process of thematic analysis, three themes are identified within the subjective experiences discussed by the participants. Themes to be discussed from the findings are gender as an influential factor, analysing the impact gender has on individual's chance of promotion. Contested views of promotion, looking into the different views participants had on why men are more likely to be promoted than women. Finally, assumptions and expectations of parents, pupils and fellow teachers of male head teachers.
A SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY INTO A SECOND INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
For the whole of the United Kingdom the September 2014 Independence Referendum in Scotland was a profoundly significant event. However, in light of the 2016 EU Referendum result, the question of the constitutional future of Scotland is as far from being settled as it has ever been. This research project sought to engage with this on-going question and specifically with the issue of a second referendum on Scottish independence. This research generated an original data-set by interviewing political activists and elected politicians from across the political spectrum in Scotland and so offers the reader a snapshot of the various contenders and players in this issue as each ponders and proffers solutions to the future of Scotland now that the Westminster government has begun negotiations to leave the EU despite the clearly expressed opinion of most Scots to remain in the EU.
A sociological inquiry into the experience of mental health stigma.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This research gives an account of the lived experience of mental health stigma affecting people who suffer from so-called common mental health conditions. The stigma that accompanies mental health conditions can be a devastating additional element that accompanies mental ill-health, and through first-person accounts of how lives are affected by stigma, I attempt to gain a deeper understanding of this reality. Using the method of phenomenological inquiry and an interpretive approach to my analysis, I highlight the macro and micro aspects of the social actor's life that is affected by stigma, drawing attention to the reality of symbolic violence (Pierre Bourdieu) as social agents (individuals and social institutions) exercise power against my informants via toxic systems of classification which impact upon the 'lifeworld' and practice / behaviour.
A Sociological Inquiry into the Work of anti-Sectarian workers in Scotland
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
The aim of this research was to explore the work experiences of anti-sectarian workers in Scotland from a phenomenological perspective. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a number of participants in order to gather data which was subjected to analysis in order to uncover the main themes discussed in greater detail. The data highlighted the finding that sectarian attitudes in contemporary Scotland have generally improved, particularly in relation to the lived experience of an individual growing up were, it appears, they are subject to less sectarian prejudice than perhaps their parents and grandparents might have experienced. However, other themes within the data clearly showed that the issue of sectarian bigotry within Scotland has far from disappeared and that ant-sectarian organisations such as Nil by Mouth still have work to do in terms of the eradication of, what is, a continuing problem, and one which the findings highlight, to a greater or lesser degree, affected all of the anti-sectarian workers interviewed.
A sociological investigation into stigmatisation of mental health in organisations.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
This paper investigates mental health stigma within organisations; specifically in secondary schools and the workplace. The study consists of six semi-structured interviews, with both individuals who faced stigma in organisations and also professionals who aim to reduce stigma in their workplace. Phenomenological, realist and social constructionist approaches were used in this study in order to obtain the most valuable and authentic data possible. The data has been separated into five themes and each explores a different aspect of mental health stigma. The findings of this study revealed that mental health stigma was apparent within these organisations. In concluding this study, the researcher has provided data that has not yet been explored in mental health research; this could act as a platform for future investigation. The data has also allowed the researcher to suggest potentially useful approaches to tackle mental health stigma in the organisations discussed in this paper.
A sociological study into the potential long term effects of welfare sanctions on 16 - 25 year old males claiming Job Seekers Allowance within Scotland with particular reference to the Oakley Report recommendations to the Department of Work and Pensions.
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
This study into the long term effects of welfare sanctions on the 16-25 year old males within Scotland is motivated by my personal experience in dealing with such issues within my role as a volunteer advisor at a local Citizens Advice Bureau. It is reasonable enough to suggest that those who are in receipt of unemployment benefit regardless of the type, does all that they can to get back into work and if they are not doing so, there should be some form of penalty or punishment. But are these penalties just? Are those who issue penalties doing all they can to educate those most vulnerable, to avoid these forms of penalties? This report will investigate such questions and in doing so, highlight the current situation for those in receipt of benefit and in particular, Job seekers allowance (JSA).
A Sociological Study of a Thriving Evangelical Parish
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
This study seeks to explore a variety of sociology of religion positions by studying a Scottish charismatic, evangelical parish that in contrast to the predictions of decline has increased its membership several fold and seems to be thriving. The 'secularisation thesis' is an area of debate in contemporary sociology with sociologists who support this thesis from Durkheim (1961) to Wilson (1998) contending with Weber that increasing rationality and the differentiation of life spheres and institutions found in modernity inevitably lead to the decline of religion. However this debate now has a plurality of viewpoints with Bruce (2002) seeing the secularisation process as a de-Christianisation process in its European heartland rather than a move to a secular society. Other sociologists of religion such as Stark and Fink (2000), Berger (2010) and Davie (2005) also contest the 'modernisation as secularisation' orthodoxy while conceding that in the British and Scottish contexts there has been a reduction in church membership and church attendance (Brown 2009). This project used a questionnaire approach seeking to identify the factors that explain the maintenance of religion and identifies the significance of the 'experience of the sacred' in a particular church congregation's success, along with the social bonding that local church life makes possible and which offsets the forces of privatism and individualism released in late modernity which threaten the social reproducing of Christianity.
A Sociological Study of the Lived Experiences of Women who Breastfeed in Public Spaces.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
This dissertation is a phenomenological study of breastfeeding mothers' perceptions of breastfeeding. Data were gathered from a combination of a focus group discussion and from a go-along observation. A critical discussion of previous research reveals a poverty of phenomenological data on the lived experiences of breastfeeding in public amongst new mothers in Scotland. In this study, participants acknowledged the health benefits of breastfeeding and, in general, claim they are happy to breastfeed in public. Participants also refer to the importance of social support from friends and family. However the results also demonstrate that in some cases, participants have concerns in practice about breastfeeding in public, focusing on their beliefs about how other people in public spaces will react to their breastfeeding activities. Most of the concern seems to focus on the issue of women's breasts as sexualized objects, as well as the ways in which how and what participants, characterise as 'public' and 'private' spaces and which were deemed acceptable for breastfeeding.
A virtual ethnographic exploration of young men's and women's experiences and engagement with online dating platforms
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
There has been an abundance of sociological research into online data in US academia, however the UK is lacking in such academic research. This study is a virtual ethnographic exploration of young men's and women's experiences and engagement with online dating platforms, and what effects if has on the gendered performance shared between men and women. The study involves 10 participants from different backgrounds taking part in an asynchronous online forum which lasted 3 weeks and had a total of 10 questions. The findings of the research suggests there is no research which synthesises the sociological understandings of love and romance with social constructions discourses on gender identities, and the implications of virtual online dating for the nature of the relationships between men and women in heterosexual romantic situations.
An analysis of peoples' attitudes towards victims of sexual assault and the influence of social media.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Sexual assault is a worldwide phenomenon which happens across all cultures. Most commonly affecting women, this issue has developed a range of differing views and opinions towards the victims, particularly when investigating where the blame lies. This research project explores male and female undergraduate student's attitudes towards victims of sexual assault and the extent to which social media may have an influence on these attitudes. Data was collected using focus groups with male and female undergraduate students from Queen Margaret University and was analysed using thematic analysis. Themes that emerged included the understanding and interpretation of sexual assault, perpetrators, the way in which the victim portrays herself, stigma attached to victims of sexual assault and social media. The findings suggested that overall, male and female undergraduate students adopt a similar viewpoint of victims of sexual assault. However, it can be suggested that the male participants within the study adopted a light victim blaming attitude at certain points within the focus group conversation. Participants believed that social media may have a negative influence on people's attitudes of victims of sexual assault as well as sexual assault in general due to the offensive and degrading nature of some of the content found.