Looking for a creative PhD opportunity that engages Religion and Diversity? This project incorporates Arts Based Research with Participative Action Research to observe and analyze representation followed by co-creation of interventions that re-shape perspectives on whiteness, race and intentional inclusion by engaging first with Catholic parishes and then with the broader community.
Project
The broader project brings attention to the unacknowledged normativity of whiteness and seeks to provide interventions that redress some unexamined behaviours and practices in the Church, especially parishes in Belgium and Austria. While all manner of diversities are present in the Roman Catholic Church, as it is the largest Christian group in Europe and the largest non-profit organization worldwide, the idea of Christianity as an identity that includes racial diversity may contradict perceptions of the public in Europe. Rather than focus on racism as such this project problematizes the normalization of ‘whiteness’ by examining ways that whiteness is constructed and presented from the perspective of parishes.
In this PhD project, the candidate will examine phenomena of whiteness, diversity, racism and intentional inclusivity in Catholic parishes in Flanders, Belgium. As one part of a WEAVE project, this PhD student will cooperate with one part-time employed postdoctoral researcher in Belgium and with a PhD student in Austria. The project combines different qualitative methods to observe and analyse practices; ideas; communication channels; and religious education materials.
The researcher will interrogate the concepts of whiteness, diversity, racism and intentional inclusion by:
- Using participant observation in order to gather and analyze ways that whiteness, diversity and race as concepts, theories and practices are articulated and embodied in parish activities.
- Conducting focus groups to record the beginning positions of participants about the articulation and embodiment of whiteness, diversity and race as concepts, theories and practices.
- Facilitating participant action workshops to explore and co-create additional resources and tools to move toward intentional inclusivity by developing visual artistic expressions.
- Cooperating with the PostDoc to invite broader public dialogue using art shows to engage in community conversations about whiteness, race, and intentional inclusivity.
Profile
We seek a motivated and skilled candidate with a master’s degree in religious studies, theology, sociology, anthropology, gender and diversity or a related discipline, who meets the entrance requirements for a PhD at KU Leuven. Further information can be obtained on https://theo.kuleuven.be/en/doctorate/ and https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information.
The succesful candidate possesses the following qualities:
- Strong writing and communication skills and a strong academic performance.
- Familiarity with the Catholic church in Belgium preferred (formal theological training is not required)
- Experience in qualitative methods or the eagerness to learn this within a short period of time
- Capacity and willingness to work in close conjunction with other researchers and to participate to regular meetings of the project partners (sometimes in Vienna).
- High motivation and commitment to enroll in additional training (methodology etc.)
- Fluency in Dutch is a requirement for the fieldwork. Excellent knowledge of English is required. A basic understanding of German is a plus
Offer
We offer a full-time doctoral position, initially for one year, which can be prolonged to up to four years in total after a positive evaluation by the doctoral committee. In addition to your research, you will assist in teaching courses or other administrative requirements in the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (up to 20 % of the position).
The start date for this position is around 1 November 2024 but will depend on the candidate’s availability and HR workflows. Minor changes to this start date can be discussed.
This is a PhD position within the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, your supervisor will be prof. Annemie Dillen (annemie.dillen@kuleuven.be). You will be given support to participate in international academic conferences and publish your work in scientific journals. You will be provided with career guidance and encouraged to develop research-oriented skills through courses via the Doctoral School.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Annemie Dillen, tel.: +32 16 32 84 01, mail: annemie.dillen@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this position until September 15th 2024 via the KU Leuven online tool. Your application consists of
- A CV with detailed information on your academic track,
- A cover letter (2 pages) that explains your fit with the project
- A writing sample (chapter from your MA thesis or paper)
- The name and contact of two references
A written selection will be made on this basis and candidates will be invited for an interview at the end of September.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.