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Centre for Rural Economy
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Community cohesion, community planning and social justice

A common understanding, shared vision and sense of belonging is important for communities.

Rural communities have become increasingly diverse.

This is due to increased mobility arising from internal and international migration. It has resulted in the arrival of a multiplicity of newcomers.

Ensuring positive relations between these different social groups can be challenging. But it leads to the creation of vibrant and healthy communities.

That can only happen where there is genuine respect for diversity across a range of domains.

These include gender, race and ethnicity. We need appreciation of the value of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

The third sector and statutory agencies are important players in this process.

Fruit picking in farming has relied on migrant workers traditionally.

Our research

Research and engagement can help to identify barriers and address challenges. These can be individual and community issues.

This will enable them to overcome all kinds of inequalities.

Innovative research that engages with stakeholders and ensures co-production of knowledge is key.

Projects

Rural England: Local Perspectives on community and economy:  Funding from The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – February 2020 to October 2021. CRE Input Dr Paul Cowie PI; Prof. Sally Shortall, Dr Ruth McAreavey

 - Immigration and Sustainable Development in Micro Villages, led by Ricard Morén Alegret (Department of Geography, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) - Funders: RecerCaixa Program (2017-2020) - CRE input: Dr Ruth McAreavey

Social and economic aspects of inequalities: beyond urban and rural binaries - Funders: Â鶹´«Ã½ (October 2017–August 2018) - CRE input: Dr Ruth McAreavey 

 - Collaboration with Cap A Pie theatre company (May 2014 – ongoing) - Funding from: Â鶹´«Ã½, Arts Council England, ESRC, Northumberland County Council, Northern Heartlands - Podcast  - CRE input: Dr Paul Cowie

 - Funding: from the Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, Greece (2013) - CRE input: Menelaos Gkartzios (Principal Investigator), Guy Garrod (Co-Investigator), with followed-up funding from Â鶹´«Ã½

 - Funding: Â鶹´«Ã½ (2012-2013) - CRE input: Menelaos Gkartzios (Principal Investigator)