Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group (SCRIP)

Located in The Division of Psychology, The Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group (SCRIP) explores socially situated and inclusive shared realities. Drawing on a wide range of methodological and philosophical approaches, the group uses critical resources from social, developmental, educational, cultural and political psychology, feminist, postcolonial and social theory.

Research in the group focuses on a broad range of issues, including mental health, family life, education, personal relationships, health and wellbeing, disability, consumption, gendered violence, sexual harassment, build and space, human geographies, gender, ethnicity, class and bullying. Our interests are in the analysis of discourse, symbolic representation and cultural practice.

Methodologically, the group is generally (but not exclusively) orientated towards qualitative research methods including thematic approaches, discourse analysis, interpretative interactionism, IPA, Q methodology, conversation analysis, episodic techniques, visual and textual methodologies, contextual analysis, story completion and children's drawings. Our data includes interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observations, internet sources, visual imagery, diary methods, etc.

Members

Academic staff

• Dr Kevin Buchanan
• Dr Jane Callaghan
• Dr Helen Clegg
• Dr Sarah Crafter
• Lisa Lazard
• Dr Rachel Maunder
• Anca Roberts
• Dr Elizabeth Roxburgh
• Lesley Ann Smith
• Dr Julie Waumsley

Researchers and doctoral students

• Kristin Klindworth
• Tania Laurance
• Sandra Roper
• Martin Willis
• Jane Youell

Research areas and current projects

• Gender, sexualities, ethnicities
• Childhood, youth and families
• Teaching and learning
• Communities and identities
• Wellbeing

In addition to the various research projects being undertaken staff hold a number of elected positions in national and international organisations. At national level Lisa Lazard and Sarah Crafter are on the British Psychological Societies Psychology of Women's Section committee. Sarah Crafter, Lisa Lazard and Jane Callaghan have each acted as Conference Coordinator for the BPS Psychology of Women's Section. Lisa Lazard is also part of the British Psychological Society's Standing Committee for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities. Internationally, Crafter is the newsletter editor for the Special Interest Group 21 in Learning and Teaching in Culturally Diverse Settings (part of EARLI). Jane Callaghan is on the Editorial Board for the Annual Review of Critical Psychology. Julie Waumsley is a committee member and parliamentary officer for BPS DSEP, Chair of the BPS Obesity Working Group, and member of the Life-Long Health and Wellbeing Network.

Studying for a PhD with the Social and Cultural Research in Psychology group

SCRIP provides a stimulating and supportive environment in which students can conduct their doctoral studies. SCRIP prides itself on its collegiality, and doctoral students are an integral part of our research programme and seminar activities. Recent doctoral work in SCRIP includes: femininity, body image and identity in Turkey; constructions of identity around leather; dementia and intimate relationships; the challenges facing older service users in community care; and work around culture and educational transitions.

See Research degree study for more information on how to apply

For more information on the research activities of SCRIP, contact Jane Callaghan.

For details about continuing professional development, contract research and knowledge exchange, see the Business and community pages.