This research project explores the role that social networks, like family ties and friendships, play in building stronger, closer and more coherent communities. The UROP student will be part of an established team of Reading Internship students, PhD students and local residents working on the Whitley Big Local and ‘Whitely Researchers’ with Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans and Reading Buses, Circles Time Bank and ASPIRE2 with Dr Steve Musson.
Department: Geography & Environmental Science
Supervised by: Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans and Dr Steve Musson
This research project explores the role that social networks, like family ties and friendships, play in building stronger, closer and more coherent communities. The project is closely connected to existing SAGES research exploring transport, mobility, education and social change in South Reading, and the UROP student will be part of an established team of Reading Internship students, PhD students and local residents working on the Whitley Big Local and ‘Whitely Researchers’ with Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans and Reading Buses, Circles Time Bank and ASPIRE2 with Dr Steve Musson during summer 2015. However, this project is more academically focused with clearly defined methods, outcomes and impact, which is why we think it is ideal as a UROP. Recent work on social networks, which can be defined as the web of interpersonal connections that tie groups of people together, highlights the importance of these relationships for community cohesion, sustainable development and poverty alleviation, particularly in times of austerity and welfare reform (JKR, 2014). It has also been suggested that, although families may be well connected to each other locally, weaker links to people and places outside their immediate neighbourhood may hinder rather than support social mobility and co-operation (Granovetter, 1973). The project aims to explore the everyday, personal communities of 20 young people and adults in South Reading, identifying social networks, connections and friendships using an established methodology (Spencer and Pahl, 2006; Bowlby 2014). Five interviews and focus groups will also be conducted with local community organisations.
The placement student will be involved in the following tasks: • the preparation of a literature review on social networks and community cohesion • planning and assisting with in-depth interviews/focus groups and analyzing data • working with the existing research team and community organisations in Whitley to understand community capacity building (http://whitleybiglocal.wordpress.com and http://whitleyaspire2.btck.co.uk) • assist with the dissemination of key findings to the community • contribute to a co-authored journal publication
Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with a knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research techniques, data analysis and sound IT skills (MS Word, Excel). We will provide further training and support in these areas. Experience of working with community or voluntary organisations would be an advantage.
This placement provides valuable experience in project management and allows for the development of both qualitative and quantitative research skills, experience in data analysis and networking with local voluntary and public sector organisations. Verbal communication skills will be developed through the interaction with local families and community groups, and writing skills will be enhanced through the preparation of an academic paper. In addition, the placement will provide an ideal opportunity for a student to develop his or her experience of working in the community sector.
The student will be based in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science (SAGES) but they will be required to visit community locations in South Reading. Students will be accompanied on field visits and local travel expenses paid.
We require 6 weeks of part-time work during the summer vacation - hours/dates are flexible
Monday 29 June 2015 - Friday 25 September 2015
Applicants should send a covering letter (maximum one page) and CV (maximum two pages) to s.lloyd-evans@reading.ac.uk by Friday 27th March 2015. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview at the start of the summer term.