The Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut is excited to announce the Call for Care Research Grant, an opportunity for scholars, researchers, and advocates to engage in practical research on care work focused on the MENA region. This initiative aims to shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of care work, including both paid and unpaid activities, and its profound impact on societies.
What is care work?
Care work encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, both paid and unpaid, that are essential for the well-being, nurturing, and support of individuals and communities. This multifaceted domain includes tending to children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other care receivers, indirect care activities such as cooking, and cleaning, as well as roles within healthcare, education, and social services. It underpins the fabric of societies, shaping health, education, social welfare, economic development, and contributing to the well-being of all persons. However, care work is often undervalued, disproportionately placed on women, and frequently overlooked in research and policy discussions.
Why are we launching this call?
In recognizing the significance of care work, this grant aims to promote comprehensive exploration of this critical field. Our mission is to highlight care work, fostering innovative research that addresses its obstacles and opportunities for its recognition, reduction, redistribution, reward and representation. By addressing the critical aspects of care work, as well as the needs and priorities of care givers and receivers, we aim to advance knowledge, promote equality, and contribute to meaningful change in the MENA region and beyond.
Criteria
Requirements:
- Proposals must clearly state the research objectives, scope, methods, and questions.
- Research project proposals must be situated within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities present in this context.
- Research project proposals must be directly related to care work, either unpaid or paid care work, or both.
- Research project proposals must clearly integrate a gender analysis, examining how care work intersects with and influences gender dynamics.
- Research project proposals must be submitted in either English, Arabic, or French.
Recommended:
- Qualitative research methods are recommended to be used in the research design to allow for in-depth exploration and understanding of care work dynamics.
- Young scholars and researchers, who are in the early stages of their careers, are encouraged to submit proposals.
- Research proposals that address the experiences and needs of different individuals and communities, particularly those with vulnerabilities such as minorities, refugees, and marginalized groups, will be given priority.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: October 4, 2023
- Announcement: October 20, 2023
- Research Period: 4 to 6 months
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussion and for submission of a budget. For submission guidelines and further details, please contact us at asfariinst@aub.edu.lb.