My research interests and expertise are located in the changing nature of youth experiences at the start of the 21st century, and the ways in which these experiences are governed by the ‘self’ and others. Here, I have undertaken extensive research around the behaviours and rationalisations of young males as members of peer groups, focussing on the links between identity formation, masculinity and the place of sport, physical education and the media. Within this field of inquiry I have been actively involved in numerous research projects spanning issues associated with - the enculturation practices of young boys, the place of school in the construction and performance of adolescents, and the construction and management of a professional identity for the sporting elite.
My recent research has included research funded by the Australian Football League (AFL) Research Board to conduct industry wide research into the emergence and evolution of a ‘professional identity’ for AFL footballers. Underpinning this work was a theoretical orientation that understands that ‘professional identity’ isn’t natural, and must be developed through a range of ‘professional development’ activities (a common link to all other ‘professions’). Here, I drew on Foucault’s ideas about the ways in which we develop a sense of Self, and the ways in which Others seek to govern us in relation to ideas about the particular characteristics that this Self should exhibit. Building on this, I am currently a Chief Investigator on a research project exploreing, The cultural drivers of risk taking behaviour and their affects on ‘low risk’, ‘risky’ and ‘high risk’ use of alcohol among 14–24-year old Australians (Drinkwise). This project complements other research projects that I have conducted, and am developing, around the health and welfare of young people.
