Cardiff School of Social Sciences

Research Interests

My research is concerned with the everyday life of urban public spaces. I am  interested in both the street-level politics and the mundane accomplishment of public space in the context of regeneration and renewal. I am, as such, also interested in investigating issues pertaining to urban design, architecture and the built environment. These themes have been addressed through research on everyday sense-making in regenerated space, practices of street-based welfare and vulnerable urban groups and, most recently, an investigation of co-operative mobility practices.

My work is primarily sociological and, specifically, draws upon the interactionist tradition and the work of Erving Goffman. It is, however, also influenced by interdisciplinary work on mobility, space and place. I have an abiding interest in social science methodology.  

Current and Forthcoming Activities

• Editing ‘Urban Rhythms’ , a Sociological Review Monograph with Kevin Hetherington
• Presenting @ ASA Annual Meeting, New York – August 2013
• Convening ‘Cities, Interaction, mobiliTIEs, Space’ (CITIES) BSA Study Group

For updates, musings and other stuff follow me on Twitter @Dr_Robin_Smith 

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