Gareth Rice

Academic expertise:

- Cities

- Social Theory

- Qualitative Methods

My background is in Human Geography which has included lots of urban sociology and readings about social justice in the city. The concept and practice of socio-spatial relations has been at the heart of my teaching and research. My earlier publications focused on how the city of Glasgow was built in a neoliberal image to the detriment of already disadvantaged social groups. I have subsequently branched out beyond Glasgow to conduct independent research projects focused on socio-spatial relations in Helsinki, place branding in Argyll & Bute and more recently community planning in South Lanarkshire.

On research methods: I started off as a multi-methods researcher but, my recent work has taken a more ‘qualitative turn’. I have developed a passion for ethnography and the collection and analysis of primary data using mainly semi-structured interviews and focus groups. And, of course, the human geographer in me means that I still believe in good old fashioned field work!

These include resarch with colleagues on community engagement with Glasgow's waterways and quality of life in South Lanarkshire. 

The main desire is that my research (individual and collaborative) will continue to retain its focus on socio-spatial relations; it has proved to be a suitable conceptual basis to highlight the voices, attitudes and values of a wider diversity of people toward themselves and 'others'.

- Reseachers in other universities

- Public and charitable funding bodies

- Local councils

- Community Groups