This is actually for a Ph.D. in law application, but I’d like to explore socio-legal studies.
5.
Literature Review
You
should refer to the key articles and books in the proposed area of
research, showing on the one hand how they will support your research, but also
demonstrating that there is a need for your research.
(Suggested word count: 500)
This is from another part of my application:
The proposed research emerges from a significant academic context
characterized by extensive scholarship on environmental law, indigenous
rights, and biodiversity conservation, particularly in the Amazon region of
Brazil. While existing literature provides valuable insights into legal
frameworks and their application, there remains a notable gap in
understanding the effectiveness of these laws in protecting the Amazon and
its inhabitants, specifically in Brazil. This research seeks to address this
gap by offering a comprehensive evaluation of legal protections and
enforcement mechanisms, focusing on both theoretical and empirical
contributions.
Theoretically, this study adds to the discourse by critically analysing
the implementation and enforcement of existing legal frameworks within the
unique socio-political context of Brazil, with potential implications for
other Amazonian countries such as Suriname and Venezuela. By synthesizing
insights from multidisciplinary sources, including legal documents,
international treaties, academic literature, and expert interviews, the
research aims to develop a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities
in safeguarding the Amazon ecosystem and indigenous rights (especially in
Brazil).
Empirically, the proposed methodology, which includes case studies
and expert interviews, offers a novel approach to examining the real-world
application of laws and regulations. By selecting representative case studies
from Brazil, the research will provide concrete examples of the successes and
shortcomings of legal protections, particularly concerning indigenous land
rights, environmental regulations, and enforcement practices. This empirical
evidence will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities
involved in protecting the Amazon and its inhabitants, especially in Brazil.
The anticipated outcomes of this research, including a comprehensive
understanding of legal frameworks, identification of key challenges, and
recommendations for policy reforms, hold significant implications for
academic scholarship, policy discourse, and advocacy efforts. By shedding
light on the gaps in legal protection and enforcement, this study aims to
inform decision-making processes, shape policy agendas, and catalyse action
towards preserving the Amazon rainforest, conserving biodiversity, and upholding
indigenous rights (with a focus on Brazil). Ultimately, this research seeks
to make a meaningful contribution to addressing one of the most pressing
environmental and social challenges in modern times.
My primary research question is:
What laws protect the Brazilian portion of the Amazon
rainforest and the people and animals who live in it?
Two
sub-questions are:
Are these
laws being applied?
If not,
why not?
