Community cohesion and migration
CRESR has been at the forefront of research and analysis into community cohesion. This includes considering the predictors and drivers of cohesion, as well as the evaluation of policy and practice.
Our work focuses on:
- evaluation of policies, strategies and initiatives designed to manage and promote cohesion
- analysis of predictors and measurement of levels of cohesion
- community mapping and profiling
- understanding community relations
- generation of guidance for statutory agencies
We have helped lead efforts to explore and understand the experiences of different migrant populations and the local implications of and responses to migration. We evaluate managed migration programmes, including looking at local initiatives to support the settlement and integration of migrants.
Landmark Art and Community Resilience
Project Director: Aimee Walshaw
Project Duration: 2013
The use of 'landmark' sculptures as a means of commemorating and regenerating communities is an established practice. Anthony Gormley's 'Angel of the North' and Damien Hirst's 'Verity' are prominent examples. There are also many lesser known examples around the country. However, little is known about how they impact on their host communities. A key aim of the research is to compare the intended and actual impacts of a number of landmark sculpture projects in relation to a range of social, educational, physical and health variables in order to learn lessons for future projects of this nature, such as the Man of Steel- a large icon planned to commemorate traditional industries in the Sheffield City Region. The project brings together experts in materials science & engineering, education, inclusion, social work, planning and regeneration from around the University.
The project team also includes: Caroline Hart; Anne Hollows; Hywel Jones; Pat Morton (Sheffield Hallam University).
Switched on Communities: Collective Switching for a Brighter Future?
Project Director: Jan Gilbertson
Project Duration: 2013
Collective switching is a relatively new phenomenon in the UK. Community switching initiatives have the potential to enhance individual and community resilience by empowering consumers and communities to respond to increasing fuel bills through partnership for community action and possibly future sustainable behaviour. The aim of this project is to explore collective switching as an emerging community consumer movement. This is covered by five key objectives:
- Develop a typology of collective switching initiatives
- Understand the 'theory of change' behind local authority involvement in initiatives
- Explore the ways in which the idea of community switching is communicated to various (target) groups and assess the effectiveness of these methods to inform choices of different groups
- Explore how partnership relationships are developed and how the relevant administrative, technical (including data) and financial arrangements are organised in order for switching to be successful
- In what ways does collective switching lead to energy resilient communities through direct and indirect financial and behavioural outcomes/impacts?
Evaluation of Managed Migration Initiatives Supported by the European Reguee Fund and the European Integration Fund
Project Director: Professor David Robinson
Project Duration: 2010-2012
An evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of a series of projects designed to support the integration of refugees and third country nationals. Projects were funded under two European Commission funds (European Integration Fund and European Refugee Fund) and research outputs informed Home Office compliance with EC monitoring requirements.
Neighbourhood Resilience in Sheffield
Project Director: Deborah Platts-Fowler
Project Duration: 2012-2013
Working in partnership with Sheffield City Council, a team from the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research set out to establish a working definition of neighbourhood resilience for the city and to identify factors promoting resilience. Resilience was viewed not as a panacea for the social and economic disadvantages many communities are facing, but as a strategy for helping communities cope with this adversity. A measure of resilience is provided, focusing on neighbourhoods that are evidencing better than expected outcomes given the intensity of the stress and pressure they are exposed to. Neighbourhoods evidencing relatively high levels of resilience are identified and the factors that help to explain the resilience are explored in four case study neighbourhoods. Some suggestions for how local policy makers might nurture neighbourhood resilience are also spotlighted.
Evaluation of the National Community Cohesion Strategy for Wales
Project Director: Professor David Robinson
Project Duration: 2010-2012
An evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of Getting on Together, the Welsh Government's community cohesion strategy. Analysis includes the review of implementation at the national and local levels and analysis of trends in cohesion across Wales.
Staff undertaking research include
Get in touch
For further information please contact Dr Kesia Reeve at k.reeve@shu.ac.uk or call 0114 225 4519,
or Professor David Robinson at d.robinson@shu.ac.uk or call 0114 225 6264
Key clients
Arts and Humanities Research Council
Department for Work and Pensions
Glasgow Housing Assocation
Home Office
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
North Lincolnshire Council
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council
UK Border Agency