School of Social and Political Science

Background

Jim Fraser is a first-year PhD researcher working within Social Anthropology. His PhD project, currently titled "Past, Present, and Uncertain Future in Scotland’s Oilscape: Investigating the Entanglements of Oil and Cultural Life in Aberdeen", investigates the affect that North Sea oil has had on cultural life in his home town, Aberdeen. 

He is co-supervised by Dr John Harries and Dr Zeynep Oguz; and is funded by an ESRC scholarship provided through the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science's open competition.

Qualifications

MSc(R) Social and Political Science; Social Anthropology. (Edinburgh 2024)

MA(Hons) Social Anthropology and Politics (Edinburgh 2023).

Project Summary

Jim's research focuses on the relationship between Aberdeen and oil that has developed since the emergence of the North Sea oil industry over fifty years ago. A relationship that took Aberdeen from a small city known for granite and fishing, to the 'Oil Capital of Europe'.  

Today, Aberdeen is faced with another major transformation. The need for a global transition away from fossil fuels means the winding down of the industry that has been at its core for more than half a century. During this period the oil industry has reshaped Aberdeen; be it in the offices of glass and steel that rise above the old granite streets, or the distinctive temporal experiences - of booms and busts - that are characteristic of places tied to the price of Brent Crude. 

The aim of this project is to investigate how oil has become woven into contemporary Aberdonian cultural life, and of how it affects local perception of past, present, and orientation towards the future. Understanding the complexities of this relationship - between oil and place - is an essential precursory step if we want to motivate a green transition strategy for Aberdeen that is considerate of its particular context and the needs of its constituent communities.    

Fieldwork

I will be based in Aberdeen for fieldwork from June '26 to June '27.

See project poster for details: 

Tutoring

2025/26 Semester Two: 'South Asia in the World'

Students with tutoring related queries should use my staff email: fjames@ed.ac.uk

Scholarships/ Awards

Best Overall Performance in Programme (2023/24), Social and Political Science MSc(R); The University of Edinburgh.

ESRC PhD Scholarship (via SGGSSS Open Competition) 2025-2029.

Contact

Always happy to chat about anything even vaguely related. Drop an email to jim.fraser@ed.ac.uk