Lis Camelia is a PhD candidate at the Department of Media and Communication at Erasmus University Rotterdam, bringing a strong background in media studies to her current research. Her doctoral work focuses on the fascinating intersection of sport narratives and the complex processes of negotiating belonging within diverse urban environments, specifically within the Dutch context. This research aims to understand how stories told through sports influence individuals' sense of identity and connection to their communities in multicultural cities. 

Her analytical framework is particularly nuanced, as she examines these dynamics through the lenses of locality, diverse cities, and post-colonial theory. By considering locality, she likely investigates how specific places and their unique characteristics shape the narratives around sports and belonging. The emphasis on diverse cities acknowledges the multicultural fabric of contemporary urban spaces and the varied experiences of their inhabitants. Furthermore, the incorporation of post-colonial theory suggests an exploration of how historical power structures and colonial legacies might influence perceptions of belonging and identity within these sport narratives, especially in a country like the Netherlands with a colonial past. 

This research uses narrative studies as a methodological approach is particularly insightful for accessing alternative stories on belonging. This could involve exploring narratives of shared sporting triumphs, local team loyalties, or even individual experiences of participation, which might offer counter-narratives to prevailing ideas of national identity or social cohesion. Through this lens, narrative studies enable a deeper understanding of how individuals actively "re-story" their sense of belonging, potentially challenging existing power dynamics and offering fresh insights into the intricate tapestry of urban life. 

Affiliations/Partners: Mulier institute