PhD Position: Recognising the Multicultural Strengths of Youth through Social Networks at Work

Introduction: Cape Verdean Youth and the Digital Age

Cape Verde, a vibrant archipelago with a rich multicultural heritage, faces unique challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. Cape Verdean youth, increasingly connected through social media, represent an untapped potential for socio-economic development. This PhD position aims to investigate how social media can be used to recognise and strengthen the multicultural strengths of this youth in the context of work.

Cape Verde's Multicultural Context

Cape Verdean identity is a mosaic of African, European and other influences, moulded by centuries of history. This cultural diversity manifests itself in:

Languages and dialects: Cape Verdean Creole, with its regional variations, coexists with Portuguese.
Music and dance: Genres such as morna, funaná and batuque reflect the complexity of the cultural heritage.
Gastronomy: A fusion of African and European flavours, using local ingredients such as corn and fish.
Values and traditions: Strong family ties, respect for elders and a community spirit are fundamental values.

This cultural richness, however, is not always recognised or valued in the formal job market. Many young Cape Verdeans face difficulties in finding jobs that value their cultural skills and knowledge.

Social Networks as a Tool for Empowerment

Social networks offer a powerful platform for Cape Verdean youth to express their cultural identity, connect with other young people and develop relevant skills for the labour market. They can be used to:

Promoting Cape Verdean culture: Sharing music, dance, cuisine and other cultural expressions with a global audience.
Creating business opportunities: Selling craft products, offering tourist services and promoting cultural events.
Developing digital skills: Learning to use digital marketing, graphic design and programming tools.
Connect with mentors and role models: Access information and advice from experienced professionals.

One concrete example is the use of Instagram by young artisans to sell their products to tourists and expatriates. Another example is the creation of Facebook groups to discuss issues related to Cape Verdean culture and identity.

Objectives of Doctoral Research

The main objectives of this doctoral research are:

Identify the multicultural strengths of Cape Verdean youth that are relevant to the labour market.
Analyse how social networks are being used to promote and enhance these strengths.
Develop an intervention model that can be used to enable Cape Verdean youth to use social networks effectively to find jobs and develop their careers.
Evaluate the impact of the intervention on the employment and income of Cape Verdean youth.

Research Methodology

The research will use a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. It will be carried out:

Data surveys with young Cape Verdeans to identify their multicultural strengths and their use of social networks.
In-depth interviews with young people, employers and career development experts.
Analysing social media content to identify examples of good practice and challenges.
Development and implementation of a pilot intervention programme.
Evaluation of the impact of the pilot programme.

Expected Impact

It is hoped that this research will contribute to:

A better understanding of the multicultural strengths of Cape Verdean youth.
The development of policies and programmes that value cultural diversity in the labour market.
Empowering Cape Verdean youth to use social networks effectively to find jobs and develop their careers.
Cape Verde's economic growth through the valorisation of its human and cultural capital.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Cape Verdean Youth

Cape Verdean youth have enormous potential to contribute to the country's development. By recognising and strengthening their multicultural strengths through the strategic use of social media, we can create a fairer and more prosperous future for all. This doctoral research represents an important step in this direction, seeking innovative solutions to the challenges faced by Cape Verdean youth in the labour market.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity for a candidate with a passion for Cape Verde and a research interest in youth, culture and technology. We encourage applications from individuals with a background in areas such as sociology, anthropology, communication, economics or related fields.

The deadline for applications is 17 August 2025.

Apply now for a PhD in Recognising the Multicultural Strengths of Youth through Social Networks at Work! Find out more and apply here!