Profile
Biography
Academic biography
I am an early career researcher currently working on publishing my doctoral thesis findings about the use of sport within the delivery of international development programmes in the global South, part of the International Olympic Committee’s mandate for Peace and development through sport as ‘sport for development and peace’ (SDP), contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
I am a theoretically inclined researcher, a sociologist using interdisciplinary theory from across the social sciences to analyse my empirical research findings. For instance, I am presently working on a project applying postcolonial theory to critique my positionality and reflexivity as a global North researcher studying socio-economic development issues facing poverty stricken communities across Zambia (sub-Saharan Africa), having applied creative/participatory methods attempting to decolonise my thesis’ research process.
I am a lecturer here in the School for Business and Society, joining the School back in 2022 having worked in UK higher education since 2015, holding roles ranging from associate lecturer, lecturer, and programme leader, leading multiple degree programmes in areas of business and sport, engaging in programme validation, student recruitment, international partnerships, and cross-departmental working.
I am passionate about sport and outdoor activities, running, road cycling, walking and hiking weekly, competing in local/community and national sporting events, recently completing the 2024 Manchester Marathon and last year cycling from Budapest to Istabul together with my brother (who started from London), fundraising for the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Research
Projects
I am currently working on publishing findings from my PhD thesis, applying interdisciplinary theory to critical analyse local development practitioner views about their use of sport within international development programme delivery throughout Zambia, globally one of the least developed countries (LDCs) yet with a vibrant locally organised development sector tackling various issues related to socio-economic inequalities troubling local communities.
At present, I am specifically using interdisciplinary theories including the capabilities approach, neoliberalism, and postcolonial theory, extending my initial analysis of findings from my PhD thesis, applying them to explore capacity building (local agency), social enterprise and/or entrepreneurship, researcher/research decolonisation, traditional games and the promotion female health and wellbeing.
I am open and keen to take on new projects relevant to my expertise and so please do contact me for potential collaborative opportunities. In addition to my doctoral research I am interested in community projects targeting social inclusion of marginalised and disadvantaged groups, racial and ethnic minorities, perceptions of national identity, homelessness, refugees, migration, capabilities development, and postcolonialism.
Professional Activities
I am an experienced journal reviewer keen to assume editorial responsibility for journal publications relevant to my profile and expertise. Please contact me with any opportunities relevant to my background.
Publications
Selected publications
Darnell, S., Chawansky, M., Marchesseault, D., Holmes, M. & Hayhurst, L. (2018) The State of Play: Critical sociological insights into recent Sport for Development and Peace research. International Review for the Sociology of Sport. 53(2): 133-151. Available Online: https://doi.org/10.1177/1012690216646762
Banda, D. & Holmes, M. (2017) Sport-for-Development and the struggle for Subaltern Voices to be recognised: a response to Manley, Morgan and Atkinson. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 9(4): 723-738. Available Online: https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2017.1372794
Holmes, M., Banda, D. & Chawansky, M. (2015). Towards a sustainable programme design? An examination of CSR initiatives within a Zambian SfD NGO. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing: Special Issue on “Sport-for-Development and Peace Theory Building and Programme Development”, 16(1/2): 36-51. Available Online: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2015.074926
