Gendered talk: Analysis of dyadic communication within transport platform space in India

Project description

Unfortunately, there have been innumerable instances of Indian women being harassed, abused (verbally and physically), while travelling in India. With the rise of platform economics in Indian transport sector, this project will explore the lived experiences of female passengers using Uber & Ola. Social media is rife with such stories, but so far, there is no systematic investigation of the communication which occurs between female passengers and (predominantly) male drivers.

This study will gather data from 4 major metros in India namely: a) New Delhi, b) Mumbai, c) Bengaluru, and d) Kolkata these cities are chosen as they all are distinctly different in terms of historical socio-cultural treatment of women. Data will be gathered by triangulating various qualitative methods such as interviews, open-ended surveys) but also via novel methods such as social media posts (Facebook posts and Twitter feed). The study will take place from 2020-2023 with last year focusing on data analysis, and policy recommendations. Student/s will collect data in India and analysis in Australia and India. Findings from the study will be disseminated via Reports to the industry organisations, relevant government ministries, and academic presentations and publications.

Outcomes

The outputs generated from this project will include:

1. Fostering linkage between academia and industry in India
2. Policy recommendations to various government Indian and State ministries
3. Act as a stepping stone to future joint projects and grant applications
4. Publication in high-impact international journals
5. Potential for an ARC Linkage grant in the future
6. Dissemination of project findings via various social media platforms.

Essential capabilities

Qualitative research methods in the social sciences High proficiency in English and Hindi Highly efficient with using social media platforms.

Desireable capabilities

Knowledge of Kannada, or Marathi, or Bengali or any Indian regional language. Past experience in qualitative research projects with experience in face-to-face interviewing Past experience in data gathering from social media platforms Past experience with transcription, content analysis, and writing reports.

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Postgraduate degree in Communication, Sociology, Development studies, Management or equivalent Desirable to have undertaken courses in gender studies or interpersonal communication.

Candidate Discipline

Communication, Sociology, Management, Political economy.