Centre for Psycho-Social Studies

Research and Consultancy

Research

We see the development of a tradition of empirical research in psycho-social studies as a core aim of CPSS. For our research this has consequences for the objectives and methodologies we use. In terms of our objectives it means that we are interested in the affective dimension of social and political issues, the role of anxiety in the formation of group identities, to give one example. In terms of methodologies we are interested in methods of data generation and analysis which go beyond what is said towards what is also embodied and enacted. This may involve bringing a psychoanalytic lens to the analysis of life history interviews, for example, or developing methods of observation which can be enhanced by the use of the observer’s counter transference. Many of our postgraduate students are also involved in developing psycho-social methodologies and the interested reader is referred to that section of the website.

Recent and/or current research projects

Class, Race And Community Cohesion: A Profile Of Hillfields, Bristol - Report of research conducted for the Community Cohesion Unit of Bristol City Council by the University of the West of England and Community Resolve.

“Politics and the Emotions”, a two year (2006-2008) ESRC funded series of research seminars focusing on the role the emotions play in political life (CPSS staff – Simon Thompson and Paul Hoggett).

“Mobility and Unsettlement: New Identity Construction in Contemporary Britain”. A 30 month project running from 2004-2007 which is part of the larger 4 million pound “Identities and Social Action” Programme funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The project looks at ideas around home, community and identity construction in contemporary Britain and the way in which the notions of ‘otherness’ and ‘difference’ are developed in relation to geographical area, housing and access to welfare provision. (CPSS staff – Simon Clarke, principle investigator, Steve Garner (Sociology) co-investigator.

“Measuring the Impact of Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for Health”, a three year project completed in March 2006 which involved supplying methodological support to colleagues at the Irish Institute of Public Health (CPSS staff – Anne-Marie Cummins and Paul Hoggett).

“Negotiating Ethical Dilemmas in Contested Communities”: this 27 month project  was completed in November 2005 and was funded by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) in collaboration with Professor Marj Mayo and Dr. Luis Jimenez at Goldsmiths College, London (CPSS staff – Paul Hoggett, Chris Miller and Phoebe Beedell). It explored the way in which regeneration workers tackled the dilemmas of their job using life history and other interview methods (for summary of project and its outputs see the ESRC Society Today Website).

“A Review of Multi-Agency Working”, a nine month project completed in March 2004 in collaboration with colleagues in other UWE research centres for Bristol Childrens’ Fund (CPSS staff – Paul Hoggett & Jacqui Sirota)

Consultancy

In addition to funded research CPSS staff provide process consultancy to groups and organisations struggling with difficult change management issues. Recent clients have included Mental Health Trusts and Surestart initiatives. For further information about our consultancy work contact Anne-Marie Cummins.

Consultancy Service brochure