Eales, Charlotte

Charlotte Eales
Start date:
October 2015
Research Topic:
Exploring the (possibly contested) re-construction of the identities of young Gypsies and Travellers in relation to education for citizenship.
Research pathway:
Research Supervisor:
Dr. Huw Thomas and Dr. Richard Gale
Supervising school:
School of Planning and Geography,
Primary funding source:
ESRC Studentship

My project lies within the fields of political and cultural geography. It will explore the ways in which Gypsy Traveller children experience education in Wales. In particular, it will focus on the potential reconstruction of the identities of Gypsy Traveller children in relation to education for citizenship. In doing this, I will explore ideas of citizenship, British identity and multiculturalism and the methods through which these are dealt with in Welsh schools.

My research questions are:

  • Does citizenship in education emphasise a singular national identity with which non-mainstream identities cannot easily co-exist?
  • Are attempts made to engage Gypsy Traveller children with education in new ways? I.e. mainstreamed with a focus on citizenship
  • How do these attempts affect the identities of Gypsy Travellers and in particular those of young people?