Norman Riley

-
Email
ngrile@essex.ac.uk -
Location
Colchester Campus
Profile
- Meat-eating, Veganism and Masculinity
- Meat-eating and Sustainability
- Vegan Sociology
- Non-human Animals and Speciesism
- Football (soccer) and social class
Biography
I am interested in perceptions of male vegans in hyper-masculine environments. My research will explore why working-class adult males in the United Kingdom might be resistant to reducing consumption of animal-derived foods. I have a multi-disciplinary background in languages, international relations, human rights, and sociology. My MSc dissertation explored Thatcherite social housing policy through a human rights framework and my MA dissertation looked at representations of vegans/veganism in UK national newspapers. I have worked in a voluntary capacity with The Refugee Council, Helen Bamber Foundation, Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, and Detention Action. I give cookery demos and talks on veganism at state comprehensive schools for Animal Aid, produce the Football and Society podcast, and contribute as a writer and podcaster to the Newcastle United fanzine, True Faith. Twitter: @NormanGRiley
Qualifications
-
MA Sociological Research Methods University of Essex (2021)
-
MSc Human Rights London School of Economics and Political Sciences (2018)
-
Postgraduate Certificate International Relations Staffordshire University (2012)
-
BA (Hons) Modern Languages University of Essex (2005)
Research and professional activities
Thesis
Men, meat and manliness: a qualitative investigation of food and masculinities among working-class males [working title]
My research will explore how men feel about the animals they consume and the impact their food choices make toward both the natural and social environment. Further, I will seek to understand their knowledge of, and feelings toward, plant-based lifestyles and veganism. I will determine how a social demographic that is seen as resistant might be persuaded to adopt changes that would impact positively on themselves and wider society.
Supervisor: Dr Katy Wheeler , Professor Sean Nixon