Our Wellington and Manawatū campuses are open, Auckland remains closed at AL3. More information.

Dr Sharon McLennan staff profile picture

Contact details +6469516662

Dr Sharon McLennan PhD, MPhil

Senior Lecturer

Doctoral Supervisor
School of People, Environment and Planning

Sharon McLennan's current research projects include:

  • Cuba in the Pacific: Marsden Faststart award ($300000) for research on how Cuban medical cooperation contributes to health and development in the Pacific. This project will run from 2018 - 2021.
  • New Zealand’s sanctions enforcement and maritime security in the Pacific: Multi Agency Research Network (MARN) research seed funding to develop a framework for anctions enforcement and maritime security in the Pacific (2019-2020)
  • Global citizenship education: Reseach exploring the way in which global citizenship is taught in NZ, with a particular focus on the BA core citizenship papers.
  • Voluntourism and Volunteering for development: I have a long-standing interest in international volunteering and most recently have undertaken research on volunteer tourism in Fiji, with a particular interest in the links between global citizenship, social media and development.

Previous research projects include ICT-based networking and social media for development in Honduras (PhD research, 2008-2012), and a post-doctoral fellowship (2013-2016) exploring community perceptions of corporate community development initiatives of mining and tourism multinationals in the Pacific . 

Supervision Interests:

  • Health and Development
  • Volunteering and voluntourism
  • Global citizenship education
  • ICT and Social Media in development

Dr Sharon McLennan's research explores new and alternative actors in international development and global health, and the interface between development, citizenship and globalisation. These themes are reflected in her current and past research in Latin America, the Pacific and New Zealand. Sharon teaches international development, and is the Course Coordinator for 230.210 Tū Rangaranga - Global Encounters. She has a background in health as a registered nurse and international volunteer and has worked in Aotearoa, the Philippines and Central America.

More about me...View less...

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 83662
    Location: 2.07, SST
    Campus: Turitea

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2012)
  • Master of Philosophy - Massey University (2006)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, Massey University

Prizes and Awards

  • Marsden Fast Start Award ($300,000): Cuba in the Pacific - Royal Society of New Zealand (2018)
  • Massey University Research Fund Early Career Award ($4000): Global Citizenship Education in Aotearoa / New Zealand - Massey University (2017)
  • Massey University Research Fund Early Career Award ($9413): Voluntourism in Fiji - Massey University (2016)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Health & Development

                -Cuban Medical Cooperation in the Pacific

Global Citizenship Education

International Volunteering and voluntourism

                -Voluntourism in Fiji

                -Private development volunteers in Honduras

ICT4D & Social Media for development

Thematics

21st Century Citizenship, Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Anthropology (160100): Anthropology of Development (160101): Citizenship (160602): Human Geography (160400): Human Geography not elsewhere classified (160499):
Medical And Health Sciences (110000): Pacific Peoples Health (111715):
Political Science (160600):
Public Health and Health Services (111700): Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified (111799):
Studies In Human Society (160000)

Keywords

Health and Development

Global Citizenship

Latin America (particularly Cuba and Honduras)

International volunteering

Voluntourism / Volunteer Tourism

ICT and Social Media for Development

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 1 3

Current Projects

Project Title: Multiple coincidences: Cuban medical cooperation in the Pacific

Date Range: 2018 - 2022

Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

McLennan, SJ., Forster, M., & Hazou, R. (2021). Weaving together: Decolonising global citizenship education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Geographical Research.
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, S., Huish, R., & Werle, C. (2020). The gift of health: Cuba’s development assistance in the Pacific. Pacific Review.
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, SJ. (2019). Global encounters: Voluntourism, development and global citizenship in Fiji. Geographical Journal. 185(3), 338-351
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
2
Richardson, E., Hughes, E., McLennan, S., & Meo-Sewabu, L. (2019). Indigenous well-being and development: Connections to large-scale mining and tourism in the pacific. Contemporary Pacific. 31(1), 1-34
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
6
2
McLennan, S., & Banks, G. (2019). Reversing the lens: Why corporate social responsibility is not community development. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. 26(1), 117-126
[Journal article]Authored by: Banks, G., McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
13
7

view more...

Nguyen, TTPT., & McLennan, S. (2019). Lali'an Versus Improved Cook Stoves: How Change Happens in Urban Households in Timor-Leste. Annals of Anthropological Practice. 43(2), 72-85
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, SJ. (2017). Passion, paternalism, and politics: DIY development and independent volunteers in Honduras. Development in Practice. 27(6), 880-891
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
3
Farrelly, T., Stewart-Withers, RR., McLennan, S., & Gibson, L. (2017). Collective memory-work as method and resistance. SITES: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies. 14(2), 1-26
[Journal article]Authored by: Farrelly, T., McLennan, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Banks, GA., Scheyvens, RA., McLennan, SJ., & Bebbington, A. (2016). Conceptualising corporate community development. Third World Quarterly. 37(2), 245-263
[Journal article]Authored by: Banks, G., McLennan, S., Scheyvens, R.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, SJ. (2016). Techno-optimism or Information Imperialism: Paradoxes in Online Networking, Social Media and Development. Information Technology for Development. 22(3), 380-399
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
10
5
Mclennan, S. (2014). Networks for development: Volunteer tourism, information and communications technology, and the paradoxes of alternative development. Political and Legal Anthropology Review. 37(1), 48-68
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
8
5
McLennan, S. (2014). Medical voluntourism in Honduras: 'Helping' the poor?. Progress in Development Studies. 14(2), 163-179
[Journal article]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
30
27

view less...

Book

McLennan, S. (2021). New Zealanders as international volunteers Who, what, why . . . and should I?. In D. Belgrave, & G. Dodson (Eds.) Tūtira Mai: Making change in Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 92 - 210). Auckland, NZ: Massey University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: McLennan, S.Edited by: Belgrave, D., Dodson, G.
McLennan, SJ., & Prinsen, G. (2014). Something old, something new: Research using archives, texts and virtual data. In R. Scheyvens (Ed.) Development Fieldwork: A Practical Guide. (pp. 81 - 100). : SAGE
[Chapter]Authored by: McLennan, S., Prinsen, J.Edited by: Scheyvens, R.
McLennan, SJ., Storey, D., & Leslie, H. (2014). Entering the field. In R. Scheyvens (Ed.) Development Fieldwork: A Practical Guide. (pp. 143 - 159). : SAGE
[Chapter]Authored by: McLennan, S.Edited by: Scheyvens, R.
Breheny, MJ., & McQuaid, R. (2018). H.T.U.K. The development of the United Kingdom's Major Centre of high technology industry. In The Development of High Technology Industries: An International Survey. (pp. 296 - 354).
[Chapter]Authored by: McLennan, S., Scheyvens, R.Edited by: Scheyvens, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
9

Thesis

McLennan, SJ. (2012). An alternative model for development?: promise and politics in the projecthonduras network. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University, New Zealand)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: McLennan, S.Edited by: Andrews, R., Scheyvens, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

Conference

McLennan, S. (2021, August). Cuba in the Pacific: traversing and negotiating borders in health and development. Presented at RGS-IBG Annual International Conference. London, Online.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, S., Dodson, G., McNeil, C., & Kahu, E.'It's complicated': reflections on teaching citizenship in Aotearoa New Zealand. . Auckland
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Dodson, G., Kahu, E., McLennan, S.Contributed to by: Dodson, G.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, S.Building capacity in health care: the challenges of Cuban medical cooperation in the Pacific. . Palmerston North, New Zealand
[Conference Paper]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, S.Gnarly problems and provocative questions: Global development and global citizenship in conversation. . Melbourne, Australia
[Conference Paper]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, S. (2019, July). Gnarly problems and provocative questions: De-colonising global citizenship. Presented at Australian Institute of Geography conference. Hobart, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.

view more...

McLennan, S., Huish, R., & Leslie, H. (2019, July). Cuba in the Pacific: Solidarity and capacity building in health and development. Presented at International Medical Geography conference. Queenstown NZ..
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, S., Huish, R., & Leslie, H. (2018, December). Cuba in the Pacific: Solidarity, Sustainability and Transformation. Presented at DevNet Conference: Disruption and Renewal. Christchurch, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, S. (2018, June). Cuban solidarity in the Pacific: addressing inequities and challenging power in health and development. Presented at Global Inequalities: UK Development Studies Association Conference. University of Manchester.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, S. (2018, March). Cuba in the Pacific: Counter-hegemonic solidarity and anti-colonialism in health and development. Presented at New Geographies of Global Inequalities and Social Justice Conference. University of Melbourne.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Hazou, RT., Forster, M., & Mclennan, S.Encountering group work in Tū Rangaranga. . Auckland, New Zealand
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, . (2017, July). ‘It’s a personal thing’: Voluntourism, social media and the creation of global citizens in Fiji. Presented at Connecting the Dots: International Conference on Tourism, Ethics and Global Citizenship. Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, SJ., & Stewart-Withers, . (2017, July). First do no harm: What fieldwork ethics can contribute to voluntourism practice. Presented at Connecting the Dots: International Conference on Tourism, Ethics and Global Citizenship. Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, SJ. (2016, December). Community development meets personal development: A case study of youth voluntourism in Fiji. Presented at DevNet (Aotearoa New Zealand International Development Studies Network). Victoria University, Wellington.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
McLennan, SJ. (2015, December). Promises, pitfalls, partnerships and politics: Networking volunteers for development in Honduras. Presented at Workshop: Development partnerships: The role of international volunteering. National University of Singapore.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ., & Banks, GA. (2015, September). Power, agency and the anticipation of dependency: Community expectations of corporate community development the mining and tourism sectors in the Pacific. Presented at UK Development Studies Association Annual Conference. Bath, UK.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Banks, G., McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2015, September). Facilitating global solidarity in a neoliberal age? Exploring voluntourism and development in Honduras and Fiji. Presented at UK Development Studies Association Annual Conference. Bath, United Kingdom.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2015, September). Global work and the contact zone: Exploring development voluntourism in Honduras and Fiji. Presented at Royal Geographical Society / Institute of British Geographers Annual International Conference. Exeter, UK.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Scheyvens, ., Banks, GA., Bebbington, A., McLennan, S., Hughes, EL., & Richardson, E. (2014, April). Can corporations do community development? An examination of the mining and tourism industries in the Pacific.. Presented at Association of American Geographers. Tampa, Florida.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Banks, G., McLennan, S., Scheyvens, R.
McLennan, SJ. (2014, November). Techno-optimism or Information Imperialism: Paradoxes in Online Networking, Social Media and Development. Presented at DevNet (Aotearoa New Zealand International Development Studies Network). Otago.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2014, November). Business as a development agent in the Pacific: Perspectives from mining and tourism. Presented at DevNet (Aotearoa New Zealand International Development Studies Network). Otago.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ., Banks, G., Scheyvens, ., Hughes, E., Richardson, E., & Bebbington, T. (2014, November). The future is now: Exploring corporate community development initiatives in the Pacific. Presented at The Development Studies Association Annual Conference 2014. London, United Kingdom.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Banks, G., McLennan, S., Scheyvens, R.
McLennan, SJ., Scheyvens, R., Banks, G., Hughes, E., & Richardson, E. (2013, November). Corporate community development: Unpacking the rhetoric. Presented at Sustainability Conference. Massey University, Albany.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Banks, G., McLennan, S., Scheyvens, R.
McLennan, SJ. (2013, December). Culturescapes of Corporate Community Development in Mining and Tourism in the Pacific. Presented at Association of Social Anthropologists of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Ethnoscapes, Culturescapes: Anthropologies for the present,. Raglan, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.Contributed to by: Banks, G.
McLennan, SJ. (2013, December). Reflections on a disjuncture: Politics and promise in the projecthonduras.com network. Presented at Association of Social Anthropologists of Aotearoa/New Zealand: Ethnoscapes, Culturescapes: Anthropologies for the present. Raglan, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
Banks, G., Scheyvens, R., McLennan, S., & Bebbington, A.Conceptualising corporate community development.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Banks, G., McLennan, S., Scheyvens, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
33
25
McLennan, SJ. (2012, December). The paradox of social media for development: the case of projecthonduras.com. Presented at Devnet International Development Conference: Integrating Research, Policy and Practice. Auckland University, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2012, December). Intersecting identities / diverging responsibilities: Balancing family and research in post-coup Honduras. Presented at Devnet International Development Conference: Integrating Research, Policy and Practice. Auckland, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2012, July). Deceptive and disingenuous? Prioritising the (Honduran) margins in representations of the (North American) centre. Presented at Association of Iberian and Latin American Studies of Australasia (AILASA) X Biennial Conference. Victoria University, Wellington, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2010, September). Online networking for development: an exploration of projecthonduras.com. Presented at International Network for Postgraduate Students in the Area of ICT4D Conference. Barcelona, Spain.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2010, December). DIY development: Questioning “social engagement” with the poor. Presented at DevNet (Aotearoa New Zealand Development Studies Association) Conference Making. Development Sustainable: Connections, Learning, Commitment. Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ.Human Capital x ICT = A formula for alternative development? Exploring the projecthonduras.com network. : ACM conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work (Doctoral Colloquium)
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: McLennan, S.

view less...

Other

McLennan, S. (2019). Global Encounters: Voluntourism in Fiji. Geography Directions
[Other]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2018, March). ‘It’s a personal thing’: Voluntourism, social media and the creation of global citizens in Fiji. Presented at Massey University, Palmerston North.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.
McLennan, SJ. (2014, November). Exploring corporate community development initiatives in the Pacific. In Anthropology department, London School of Economics.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: McLennan, S.

Consultancy and Languages

Languages

  • Spanish
    Last used: Daily
    Spoken ability: Average
    Written ability: Average

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

Global Citizenship

Development Theory

Globalisation and Development

Development and Inequaltiy

Development Research

Courses Coordinated

  • 230.210 Tū Rangaranga: Global Encounters
Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 1 1
Co-supervisor 0 2

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Johanna Thomas-Maude - Doctor of Philosophy
    Exploring the impacts of Covid-19 securitisation on international mobility flows of medical doctors between the Pacific, and Cuba and/or Aotearoa New Zealand

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2019 - Natalie Slade - Doctor of Philosophy
    (De)constructing 'refugeeness': Exploring mediated discourses of hospitality, welcome and refugee (self)representation in New Zealand

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2018 - Sharon Bell - Doctor of Philosophy
    Health justice for all: The development of alternative health system capabilities in the conflict-affected context of Shan State, Myanmar
  • 2017 - Dorcas Shumba - Doctor of Philosophy
    The Gender Dimensions of Environmental Change: An Exploration of the Experiences and Perceptions of Rural Men and Women in Zimbabwe

Media and Links

Other Links