[Last modified: October, 6 2024 03:23 PM]
Topic: Southport Riots
Importance: Growing social unrest in the UK, and Western nations, writ large, over immigration issues and a perceived rise in migrant crime.
Anthropological Application: This study will research the cause(s) of the Southport riots that occurred after the July 29th, 2024 knife attack that killed 3 young girls and injured others. This will include public perception of migrants and the perceived rise in migrant crime, social media interactions and misinformation, and public response to the violence. It is particularly interesting considering the similar issues that have occurred in neighboring Dublin, Ireland since 2022, particularly in reference to the November 2023 riots there.
Methodology: Methods would include participant observation, structured, semi-structured, and organic, unstructured interviews with Southampton community members (and, possibly beyond), reporters who covered the violence, and possibly authorities (e.g. local police, politicians, and other community leaders). Archival research will also be involved.
Research Questions: What was the root cause of the Southampton riots? How was public perception influenced by media (any and all types) and did it have a causal or simply corollary effect? What, if anything within the community, led up to and/or contributed to the violence and unrest prior to the attack? What have community relations been like in the aftermath, particularly between the Muslim Community and non-Muslims?
Expected Data Types: The vast majority of the data will be qualitative. This will primarily consist of observational notes from being immersed in the local Southampton community as well as interview notes/transcripts with community members. Photos of the area will also be taken. Archival data will also be used to situate the research within an anthropological, thematic analysis relating to migration, identity, and belonging within communities impacted by rapid diversification through foreign migration. This will likely include some historical and statistical content for context.
Ethics: All research participants will be clearly informed concerning the nature of the research, given a detailed participant information sheet, and asked for official consent, including a consent form. All interlocutors will be offered anonymity and access to the finished research. No photos of specific individuals or properties will be published without the express consent of the person(s)/owner(s) and the consent form will include an age consideration so that no participant is under the age of 18. Quid-pro-quos will not be offered for purposes of gatekeeping or personal information and there will be no use of deception. All participation will be voluntary.