View more on Ashleigh Barnes in WARP

Expertise

Ash’s PhD research combines perspectives from social-psychology, feminist thought and criminology to observe the ‘hidden’ or normalised social behaviours within transgressive spaces. Their work emphasises change by disrupting what is considered ‘normal’ within hardcore and punk music spaces and questions how communities respond to or dismiss cases of unwanted sexual and physical violence. This research examines how substance use, sexism, and social capital can influence people’s attitudes around violence, sexual consent, and rape myths. Themes found in their PhD, and other collaborative research projects, such as concerns surrounding the rise of neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups within Australian metal culture, has asked whether we, as music consumers or creators, can ethically ‘separate the art from the artist’, if they perpetuate damaging ideologies or commit harmful and abusive behaviours. These projects, which focus on deviance within music cultures, has assisted in developing strategic policy responses for harm reduction in live music venues and festivals.

Ash’s research adopts the philosophy that qualitative methodologies must be guided by those with lived experience on the research topic. By positioning participants as experts, their perspective on deviance and transgression keeps the research ethical, honest, and relevant to their reality. Therefore, Ash’s expertise is working with sensitive material and topics, usually through conducting person-centric interviews. Similarly, they have strong skills in thematic coding, literature reviews and policy analysis and development.

Collaboration

Ash frequently collaborates with researchers across multiple disciplines, co-authoring publications with scholars in sociology, law, policy, public health, criminology, musicology, and gender studies. These projects are inter-disciplinary and contribute to broader knowledge on issues relating to the current socio-cultural climate of Australia. Ash has worked with the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute (TLRI) in responding to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) conversion practices. They have worked as a research assistant on projects such as the LGBTIQ+ Community Survey, The Tasmania Project, the Alcohol and other Drugs Council (ATDC) Tasmania and Quitline Tasmania.

Current projects

Current projects include partnering with government services and organisations within the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector. These projects aim to break down existing barriers and to improve access to resources, health services and rehabilitation for those in the recovery process from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Publications