Output details

White working-class views of neighbourhood, cohesion and change

Background/ Research aims

This was the first study of national signifance of the views of white working class communities on community cohesion across three different cities. The key research themes were identifying how these communities perceive community cohesion, assessing how challenges, issues and opportunities overlap between people living in the different areas, and promoting a greater understanding of how communities may contribute to the cohesion debate. An independent project advisory group (composed of senior academics from Oxford, Bradford and the Open Universities as well as JRF research managers) provided peer challenge at each stage of the process

Research design and methods

• Critical review of literature: Critical evaluation of policy and academic literature on community cohesion since the publication of the government inquiry into 2001 riots. This included defining white, and working class, reviewing academic publications and refining research questions.

• Local fieldwork: Neighbourhood-based fieldwork led to more 150 residents being engaged across the three areas. Thematic analysis was used to identify consistent findings in the neighbourhoods.

• Data analysis: A 30,000 word final report synthesising data and research findings.

• Joint seminar: Bringing together a sample of 15 participants and practitioners from the three areas to discuss project findings.

Dissemination

A project launch was held at the RSA London in 2011 and attended by 50 academics, policy makers and practitioners. A further event was convened at the House of Commons in 2012 to disseminate findings to parliamentarians. The research has been covered in the national and international media including the BBC and the Huffington Post and been the subject to over 1,000 tweets.