Sophia Woodman
Social rights and social welfare in China
Amy Hanser
New York
United States of America
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
My passion is research, and I wanted time to improve my skills as a researcher and conduct an in-depth study, which the PhD program certainly allows.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC has a strong tradition of research on Asia in general and China in particular. I am affiliated with the Institute for Asian Research, and this provides opportunities for regular exchange with scholars in my field. I also appreciate the beautiful environment of the UBC campus and of Vancouver in general.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
I hope that my research will contribute to understanding about the different ways people perceive rights and state obligations as well as providing a readable account of the work of social welfare in China today. I also hope to engage with and challenge the theoretical literature on the emergence of regimes of rights globally, and to advance a conceptual framework for understanding ways entitlements are stratified.
What are your future career goals?
I will seek a position in a research-oriented university to continue my study of various dimensions of rights in China and elsewhere in Asia. I also hope to continue to contribute my expertise to human rights organizations working on China on a volunteer basis.
What has been your most memorable Vancouver experience so far?
Swimming in the Pacific Ocean while looking out over snow capped mountains.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
So near, yet so far! Be aware that Canadian academic culture may be quite different from that in the US.
Personal Interests / Hobbies
Yoga, tai chi chuan, Chinese medicine, gardening, cooking and food