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Sociology Research

 

Currently studying for a PhD in Sociology, at the University of Cambridge. 

In receipt of a Doctoral Training Partnership, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Research Interests

Institutions; governance; devolution; public and social policy; political and economic theory; socio-spatial inequalities; qualitative research methods 

Research Projects

  • PhD Thesis: "Empowering Agency: Rethinking Devolution, Local Governance, and the Local Social Contract" seeks to address a crucial question: can devolution counteract the decline in trust within our political system? It explores whether decentralising decision-making bridges the gap between national policies and local realities or whether it increases bureaucratic complexities within our democracy. By integrating concepts such as double devolution, subsidiarity, representative and participatory democracy, the research aims to shape governance, policy-making, place-making, and enhance citizen agency and empowerment.
  • MPhil Dissertation: Salford, Bucking the Trend: Examining the Strength of Labour’s Heartland in Brexit Britain: An empirical investigation to determine if the Labour Party can regain the support of working-class voters in the North of England. Publication: New Sociological Perspectives, Peer-Reviewed Academic Journal. Exhibition: ‘Beyond the Page: Research Exhibition’, Cambridge Student Union. 
  • Undergraduate Dissertation: Low Horizons, High Aspirations: A study of working-class, educationally successful students; their journey of social mobility. Research conducted in conjunction with the Dick Camplin Education Trust. Outcomes included collaborating with both the Greater Manchester Mayor and Salford City Mayor to develop policies to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for socio-economically disadvantaged young people across the region. This included free bus passes across the region for 16–18-year-olds, and work-experience with key industry partners, who also agreed to pay for any uniform required, such as a suit for those participating in legal work experience. Conference: Presented at the ‘Working Class Studies Interdisciplinary Conference, Ireland. 

PhD Supervisor

Research Groups & Affiliations

Awards

  • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP): Awarded one of three ‘Widening Participation Studentships’, aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds, based on academic excellence, departmental nominations, and competitive application. Funding worth over £100,000, including full tuition and maintenance fees for MPhil and PhD completion.
  • Dick Camplin Education Trust: Awarded £3000 for exceptional undergraduate achievement and £1500 for overcoming educational barriers to gain a place at university. 
Job Title:
Empowering Agency: Rethinking devolution, local governance, and the local social contract, Supervisor: Dr Mark Ramsden
Tallulah Eyres
Contact Information: