My research is interdisciplinary and includes several diverse strands, although many focus on identity construction through music or language (see amandahaste.com/publications).
My current research interests comprise:
Music in 21C monastic and neo-monastic communities I’m particularly interested in the agency of music in the construction of monastic identity as well as the self-care of the individual. As I conclude in “Dead to the World: Negotiating the Borders of Secular & Religious Life through Music,” being dead to the world does not mean being dead to oneself.
My research in this area has resulted in a monograph on Music and Identity in Twenty-First-Century Monasticism, to be published by Routledge in 2023.
Language and identity As a translator and part-time university lecturer who has lived in several countries I am fascinated by the ways in which we use language, both to differentiate ourselves and to identify as part of a group. The way we express ourselves, especially across more than one language, also contributes to the construction of our own identity.
Resources for independent scholars For independent scholars, the seminal book has long been Ron Gross’s The Independent Scholar’s Handbook, last revised in 1993, when the internet was in its infancy. With Ron’s blessing, Linda Baines, Helen Ross and I are now working on a brand new Guide for Independent Scholars, to be published by NCIS in 2023, which will provide practical advice and support for indies in the spirit of Ron’s Handbook.
Musician identity Musicians can play together without a common language, but my own experience as a British-trained musician working abroad has shown that differences in cultural expectations or social constructs can also lead to incomprehension of the individual musician and, ultimately, to an identity crisis in which they doubt their own “deeply personal” musical identity.
The British Colony in Marseille 1850-1914 I began researching the British in Marseille through the prism of the city’s Anglican church, which acted as a social and business networking hub as well as providing spiritual support and pastoral care. I have now extended this research to investigate the wider impact of the British Colony which emerged in the port as France sought the expertise of British engineers, shipbuilders and manufacturers to build railways, ports and other infrastructure in the rapidly expanding French economy.
In addition, I’m always interested to hear from other researchers, especially if they would like to collaborate. Joint projects which bring together our respective expertise in different areas will always pique my interest.
Email me on amanda@amandahaste.com
Amanda J. Haste, Ph.D. 