About
PhD project: “Polícias, identidade profissional e culturas corporais”
Reference: UI/BD/152881/2022 (protocol FCT and IS-UP)
Scientific area: Sociology
Supervision: Carlos Gonçalves (IS-UP); Co-supervisor: Noémia Lopes (IUEM, CIES-ISCTE-IUL)
Timeline: July 2022-June 2025
Abstract: Our work programme in the PhD in Sociology focuses on the analysis of the multiple identity relations in the professional group of policemen (Public Security Police), body cultures and performance consumption (drugs, food supplements and other natural products) to improve the physical, intellectual and social performance of that group. Our approach is structured around two major themes: professional group and identities, and body cultures and performance consumption. Acknowledged by Sociology, identities are social aggregators within the profession as a means of identification before others. The identity of the group incorporates the corporal cultures of the policemen, the body being an instrument of work but also of authoritative display, comprising an instrumental aesthetics. We will use mixed methods, including documentary analysis, semi-directive interviews and a questionnaire survey. We build on the project "Medicines and food supplements in performance consumption: social practices, contexts and literacy" (FCTPTDC/SOC/30734/2017). However, this work programme will also address new themes, such as professional identities and body cultures.