Member Profile
Name:
Casey Christall
Institution:
Academic status:
University/college academic
Main discipline:
History
Additional disciplines:
Other societies:
Research interests:
My research interests are primarily focused on the Birmingham Chartist Movement and their use of print media. My research is essentially an analysis of political media in Birmingham and the ways in which the movement framed events concerning the English working-class. This project will offer interpretations on how local populations understand and participate in Chartism at the regional level. Examining print media at the regional level allows for new perspectives and voices regarding its audience and publishers. The new perspectives in the urban and rural spaces will be essential to explore how print media operated, especially with the influence of geography. The impact of geography will be essential to study alternative public spheres outside the influence of metropolitan areas like the Chartist in London or Manchester. Birmingham’s brand of Chartism tends to diverge from the national message in participation and tone; however, this demonstrates how diverse the Chartist movement is and helps to give a more nuanced view of political activity in the Midlands. Viewing Chartism and print media from a more grounded view will help in understanding political consciousness among Midlander's and explain how the national and regional viewpoints differed from the primary messaging. Additionally, the research will feed into the public history of Birmingham and the Midlands and assist in bridging academics with the local memory of protests, print media, and reform.