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Biography PhD (Geography)
The University of Glasgow (2008)
BSc (Hons) Politics and Government, The Open University (1999)
I am currently involved in joint research projects based in Glasgow and the West of Scotland and working on publications arising from my doctoral thesis. Research interests My main research interests are in urban social and political geographies of in/exclusion and are informed by qualitative research methodologies. Across the UK and much of Europe there has been widespread concern regarding the apparent disconnection and disengagement of young people from democratic processes. Given the series of transformations that have occurred over recent years in the UK and the resulting changes to established patterns of employment, social reproduction and family life, it is young people in particular who find themselves experiencing both the risks and the opportunities these new conditions present.
My doctoral research was based on an exploration of citizenship and participation among young people and links in with the revival of citizenship, democratic renewal and participation of communities which have been at the core of New Labour’s approach to revitalising cities in the UK. In Scotland, there has been an increasing drive by government to include young people in ‘mainstream’ society in the form of policy initiatives to create and underpin new opportunities for young people to participate more fully within their communities. The study explored and (re) considered young people’s own understandings of citizenship and participation, both political and consumer, and is situated at the intersection of ‘social in/exclusion’ debates surrounding young working class people.
Current research 'Changing Spaces of Work in the Post-Industrial Economy: Young people and the restructuring of urban labour markets'. Joint research with Dr. Gesa Helms and Dr. Andrew Cumbers, University of Glasgow. (Adam Smith Research Foundation) 2008/2009.
'Community cohesion: intercultural dialogue' Joint research project with Prof. Ronan Paddison and Dr. Sophie Bond, GES, University of Glasgow (2009/2010)
Teaching responsibilities I contribute to Geography level 2 'Introduction to Qualitative research methods'.
Associate Lecturer with the Open University and Tutor in Social Sciences. |
