Projects

Abstract

The outsourcing of visa processing is a relatively recent industry that has been able to expand significantly in the space of just over twenty years. In Europe, private visa processing companies (VPCs) have come to play a key role in the management of migration, due to their ability to respond to the need of national governments to expedite the processing of high numbers of visa applications. VPCs mostly take care of providing applicants with information on the visa process, scheduling appointments with customers in their visa application centres (VACs), reviewing the documentation, digitising application data and sending it to consulates. VPCs are usually not tasked with approving or rejecting visa applications, which remains a responsibility of national governments. Despite the importance of this established industry, relatively little is known about how it affects migration to Europe. This project therefore aims to explore the industry of visa processing by looking at the interactions between states and VPCs and at how migrants in situations of vulnerability navigate the visa process. In particular, this research will focus on refugees from Afghanistan and their challenges with the process of family reunification to Belgium. In this way, it wants to shed light on how these new private actors are changing the migration landscape for vulnerable categories of migrants and how this affects their migration trajectories and experiences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Belloni Milena
• Co-promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Fellow: Penna Giovanni

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

change gradually takes shape. The impact evaluation of such practices is therefore complex. Yet organizations proceed because within the realm of social work impact measurement becomes more imperative. We observe various commendable efforts, but the use of co-creative methods on impactevaluation for social work practice, remains underresearched. To tackle this lack of empirical research, I delve into methodologies that go beyond conventional methods, seeking to identify, develop and employ measures that align more closely with the complex nature of social work interventions. I examine a crucial part of the practice of impact evaluation, namely the co-production of knowledge on impact of social work practices. I will do this by (a) identifying research gaps that I seek to address in this PhD, (b) aggregating and academically contextualizing several practiceoriented researches and self-developed instruments that are better aligned with social work practices, (c) involving stakeholders, staff, professionals, and clients in tailoring instruments to specific social work practices, mixing quantitative and qualitative data and, use a method of participative analysis, and (d) employing program theory as a unifying framework for all research steps.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Co-promoter: Driessens Kristel
• Fellow: Depauw Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In large European cities, young people with a migration background are now the majority. Classical theories of assimilation predict that the engagement of the second generation with their 'homeland' would reduce compared to first generation migrants. However, current research points to a different direction. As 'digital natives', migrant-background youth cultivate socio-cultural connections with the country of 'origin' online and travel 'home' regularly. These visits do not diminish over the generations and have a significant impact on how youth are faring in their countries of residence in terms of their education and well-being. Scholars have studied digital connections with and physical mobilities to the 'homeland' separately thus far, concealing how they might shape each other. This project investigates the fundamental role of digital media in the changing character of young people's transnational engagements and mobilities by focusing on the specific case of mobile youth of Ghanaian background in Germany. Combining multi-sited ethnography with creative collaborative methods, this study will provide an innovative framework to understand 1) how digital media change the ways in which migrant-background youth relate to the 'homeland' compared to other generations (both older and previous movers); 2) how digital connections and physical mobilities between countries are interconnected and feed into each other; 3) how a sustained transnational life across generations benefits youth in the country of residence.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Belloni Milena
• Co-promoter: Costa Elisabetta
• Fellow: Anschütz Sarah

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is one of the first in-depth cultural sociological explorations into autism's ethnic and racial inequalities. It critically examines how ethnicity and race become (in)visible in how autism is constructed and represented as both a medical category and an identity. While we know from gender studies that autism has been strongly shaped and represented as masculine, resulting in gender disparities in autism rates, constructions and representations of autism in relation to ethnicity and race remain relatively underexplored. Using qualitative methods and employing the concept of symbolic boundaries, this project seeks to understand the ways in which autism becomes 'ethnicised' or 'racialised' through 1) the communications of major autism organisations, autobiographical books, blogs, and vlogs about autism; 2) the perspectives, experiences, and practices of diagnosticians; and 3) the perceptions and lived experiences of ethnic and racial minority autistic adults. These issues are specifically addressed in the context of Western Europe, where ethnic and racial disparities in the prevalence of autism exist but have received little empirical attention in their own socio-cultural contexts. In doing so, this study ties in with broader calls to rethink academic and lay knowledge about disabilities such as autism as deeply embedded in socio-culturally situated processes of meaning-making, and to examine how this knowledge is influenced by the rhetorical aspects of disability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Hens Kristien
• Fellow: Kostet Imane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

My sabbatical leave will have three main objectives. The first is to explore and develop a new line of research, tentatively called 'Migration and the imagined demographic futures of Europe'. This new line of research focuses on how population trends in Europe are made meaningful and contested in the context of migration policies. More specifically, I aim to explore how images and expectations of Europe's demographic future influence policy narratives as well as broader public debates about migration. To this end, I am undertaking a three-month research stay at the Migration Policy Centre at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute (EUI). 2) A second action point is the writing of a book entitled 'Concise Introduction to Systems Thinking', under contract with Edward Elgar and due for submission in July '25. The book is co-authored with Kristof Van Assche and Monica Gruezmacher Rosas (both University of Alberta). I have planned a month-long working visit to the University of Alberta to finalise the book manuscript. 3) A third area of action is the follow-up of ongoing projects and dissertations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

My sabbatical leave will have three main objectives. The first is to explore and develop a new line of research, tentatively called 'Migration and the imagined demographic futures of Europe'. This new line of research focuses on how population trends in Europe are made meaningful and contested in the context of migration policies. More specifically, I aim to explore how images and expectations of Europe's demographic future influence policy narratives as well as broader public debates about migration. To this end, I am undertaking a three-month research stay at the Migration Policy Centre at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute (EUI). 2) A second action point is the writing of a book entitled 'Concise Introduction to Systems Thinking', under contract with Edward Elgar and due for submission in July '25. The book is co-authored with Kristof Van Assche and Monica Gruezmacher Rosas (both University of Alberta). I have planned a month-long working visit to the University of Alberta to finalise the book manuscript. 3) A third area of action is the follow-up of ongoing projects and dissertations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main goal of BlueGreen Governance is to develop innovative land-sea governance schemes based on scientific evidence and societal choices. The current management of oceans, seas and coasts is fragmented across multiple institutional layers and policy areas and based on past experience. BlueGreen Governance pursues an innovative approach to the governance of the seas and coastal areas that: promotes integration between institutional layers and across policy sectors with a clear impact on the use of the land and the sea; involves and engages citizens in decision-making processes, while at the same time including scientific evidence; responds predictively to changing physical conditions as indicated by scientific evidence as well as indigenous and local knowledge and citizen science; and uses e governance tools in support of the previous three points. With this focus and approach, the project responds to the need for better informed decision-making processes, social engagement and digital innovation while promoting more harmonious and effective science policy-society interfaces. The promotion of better science-policy, science-society and society-policy interactions will be embedded in the digital transformation and application of e-governance tools for co-design and service delivery. BlueGreen Governance will implement and assess these innovative governance schemes in 8 cases across several European regions and sea basins and will draw lessons on how to trigger and facilitate effective institutional change via capacity building. The cases are: Comunidad Valenciana; North Adriatic; the Solent; Western Scheldt; Oslofjord; Canary Islands and Reunion. With this geographical scope, the project will investigate five marine basins (Western Mediterranean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean), including one transnational marine basin (i.e. the North Adriatic case) and one transnational river basin (i.e. the Western Scheldt case).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Biobased sustainability engineering (SUSTAIN)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to gain insight into the underlying motivations for the changing water consumption of Flemish household drinking water customers through a combination of a literature study, quantitative questionnaire and qualitative in-depth analysis. This will build on the findings of the "WaterValue" project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Vlaeminck Siegfried

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project will analyse the governance of community space as an urban foundational amenity in three Belgian cities. It will carry out preparatory research for the Cities4Life SBO research application, which aims to map the political and economic opportunities and threats for the urban foundational economy in the face of marketisation and financialisation. The urban foundational economy refer to the amenities that meet basic needs of residents. More specifically, this project will map the shifts in the governance, i.e. financing, provisioning, decision-making and regulation, of community space in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Public service organizations are increasingly using networks of volunteers and professionals to support, guide and provide services to vulnerable groups. Against this background, this study (1) analyzes the structure of networks and positions in networks of volunteers and professionals public service organizations, and (2) analyzes how professionals, volunteers, and patients evaluate these networks. This research develops and validates theoretical assumptions about networks between individuals working together in the roles of volunteers and paid staff. Our project has a strong empirical component. Given the nature of the research questions, we will combine quantitative and qualitative research methods, including interviews, network analysis and evaluation research. The planned research will contribute to the literature on social networks, social work, and volunteer management.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Fellow: De Jaeger Tina

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Provide scientific advice on demand regarding the continuation of the local partnerships in the municipalities of Dessel and Mol, the ongoing participation process (implementation phase of the integrated surface disposal project in Dessel), and in dealing with changes in this process, due to internal or external evolutions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Migration and Global Mobility Network aims to produce cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research on a wide range of themes, such as global mobility and governance, migration and health, migration and education, migration-related diversity and the city. Building on the expertise of different research groups of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the collaborations with local, national and international partners, the UA network represents a point of reference for migration and mobility scholars and provides an important source for knowledge-based policies. The network strives for engagement with civil society and institutions at local, national and international levels.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Belloni Milena
• Fellow: Belloni Milena

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project investigates the effect of visa outsourcing policies on refugee families and their family reunification process. It explores the visa outsourcing policies and practices of implementation of two or more European countries (e.g. Belgium and Italy). The PhD candidate will conduct comparative policy analysis and multi-sited ethnographic research in visa centres and consular offices in transit countries. Innovatively, the researcher will conduct ethnographic research both with visa officers and with different members of refugee families living between Europe and transit countries.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Belloni Milena
• Fellow: Penna Giovanni

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Public and nonprofit organizations are increasingly relying on social networks of volunteers and paid staff for social service delivery. Against this background, we rely on social network analysis to advance theoretical and practical knowledge on (1) the structure of networks and positions in networks of volunteers and paid staff in public and nonprofit organizations, and (2) how volunteers and paid staff use their social networks to reach more effective social services. Our two theoretical objectives focus on (1) development and validation of detailed theoretical propositions about the networks between individuals that collaborate in the roles of volunteers and paid staff and (2) creation of a deeper theoretical understanding of the managerial and policy actions that decision-makers can apply in order to improve social service networks. These objectives are further elaborated in six concrete research questions, which are the foci of the work packages in our planned approach. Our project has a strong empirical component. Given the nature of the research questions, we will apply quantitative and qualitative research methods, including interviews, network analysis, Q-sorting interviews, and conjoint experiments. The planned research will contribute – through the interdisciplinary collaboration of the applicants – to the literature on social networks, social work, and volunteer management.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The ReIncluGen project aims to conceptualise gender empowerment building on the innovative theoretical concept of 'situated intersectionality' and study, co-evaluate and co-develop good practices of civil society organisations (CSOs) and media outlets that fight structural gender violence and promote gender empowerment and inclusion. Using participatory and co-creative action research with European CSOs and their members will help us to examine the situated meanings of gender empowerment within different societal spheres with explicit attention to migrant women and girls and their diversity and agency. In doing so we will include a wide variety of CSOs working with and for migrant women and girls focusing on themes such as gender equality, (sexual) violence, representation, socio-cultural participation and labour market integration using education, networking, legal counselling and psychological therapy. To consider the socio-political landscape, we will focus on Austria, Belgium, Italy, Poland and Spain, which vary in terms of gender policies and inequalities and may also impact the CSO practises to foster empowerment. The research objectives are threefold. The first is to use a bottom-up and participatory approach to move beyond the written diversity and gender equality policies and unpack the different conceptualisations of gender 'empowerment' across spheres and contexts. The second is to conduct an evaluation and impact assessment of empowering and inclusive trajectories applied in distinct CSOs in order to co-design innovative tools to support their gender empowerment and inclusion. We aim to understand their rationale, linkage with prevailing policies, contextual preconditions of their success, and study their applicability across different organisations, countries and cultural contexts. The third is to examine the discourses and actions of media and digital cultures in strengthening gender empowerment and how they are used and implemented by CSOs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Praag Lore
• Co-promoter: De Ridder Sander
• Co-promoter: Miri Amal

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This policy-oriented scientific research generates new human biomonitoring data and data from environmental measurements to examine to what extent and how adolescents in Flanders are exposed to environmental pressure and what this exposure does to the body. The study design is interdisciplinary. All Flemish universities, VITO, PIH and INBO contribute; VITO is the research coordinator. In this configuration, CRESC takes the lead of the social sciences aspects, including the research of socio-stratification in participation rates and study results, of risk perception, risk communication and stakeholder involvement in the study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: Covaci Adrian
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Groffen Thimo
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Current environmental problems force us to rethink notions of citizenship and specifically the role of citizens in addressing these issues. While scholarly debate often attempts to conceptualize sustainable citizenship (SC), there is less literature which examines empirically how social groups envision their role in addressing environmental issues. I aim to study sustainable citizenship from a bottom-up perspective by placing the social actor at the center of the analysis. A mixed methods research design will be used to examine how different social groups actively construct (or craft) sustainable citizenship. In contrast to most studies, I will apply a cultural lens to examine the cultural repertoires people employ to deal with environmental issues. By defining cultural repertoires both as cognitive frames and action scripts, this concepts provides an excellent framework to examine the multiple, inconsistent patterns that are part of crafting sustainable citizenship. This project uses a mixed-method research design to answer the research question: 'How do various social groups craft sustainable citizenship through the use of cultural repertoires?' Quantitative methods will examine and compare how different social groups relate to SC based on data of the Eurobarometer 95.1 (2021). Qualitative methods, based on reflexive diaries and semi-structured interviews, search for nuanced explanations of the quantitative findings.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde
• Co-promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Fellow: Dallenes Hanne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project proposes a comparative, ethnographic study of ethnic boundary work in two Flemish superdiverse city-contexts: Antwerp and Ghent. By ethnic boundary work we mean that actors use ethnic categories to distinguish between in- and out-groups ('us' and 'them'). The study aims to shed light on the dynamics of group-formation and ethnic division in superdiverse contexts and is informed by somewhat contradictory findings in the literature. On the one hand, people in superdiverse cities are said to seldom use ethnic categories and hardly problematize ethno-cultural differences. On the other hand, studies suggest that a significant number of citizens consider diversity as problematic. To understand how and why ethnicity matters in certain contexts but not in others, we seek to (A) focus our comparison on two Flemish cities, specific neighborhoods and lived spaces (as opposed to the more common focus on comparing nation-states) (B) study and compare both how people talk about differences between groups and how they behave in relation to inter-group contacts; (C) make explicit the relationship between symbolic categorization and structural inequalities people face in these contexts; (D) take into account the intersectional, dynamic relationship between ethnicity and other characteristics (e.g.. gender, age, social status) used to divide people into hierarchical categories. All steps contribute to the final goal (E) developing a comparative analytic of symbolic boundary work.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The PolarProf project is a three-year learning and exchange project for local government professionals to build expertise and develop a concrete approach around polarisation, disinformation and hate speech. The project includes both bringing together existing research, experts and (practical) expertise, setting up a digital learning trajectory (modules of knowledge transfer), and translating it concretely into practice (toolkit & action plan) and exchanging these experiences for and between local authorities.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Flemish cities are expected to take a leading role in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. At the core of these strategies are nature based solutions (NBS) by green, blue and hybrid urban infrastructures. NBS address multiple problems related to climate change in an integrated, sustainable way. Although investments in NBS infrastructures are considered a cost effective way to achieve future societal and environmental benefits, current public budgets in Flanders are insufficient. As a result, the gap between investments in and societal need for NBS is growing. In contrast to limited public budgets, there is an abundance of private capital seeking for investments. Yet, the potential to invest private capital in NBS is not fully exploited. NBS projects typically have sizeable upfront costs and diffuse and long-term societal benefits that are not easily captured in steady cash flows, making privately financed schemes often inappropriate. In order to attract private investments to NBS, new business models and alternative financing mechanisms are needed. In this project, we study the utilisation potential of innovative financing models in the Flemish context by developing real life business cases of NBS, using new instruments such as impact financing, value capturing and ICO-crowd funding. In order to develop a realistic and holistic interdisciplinary approach, this strategic research will study how new financial instruments impact planning and design, governance arrangements, valuation methods, legal institutions and instruments as well as social justice. The urban living lab approach will ensure continuous integrated assessment of the spatial, juridical, institutional, economic feasibility and social impact of the new financing business models, optimising the utilisation potential for the societal users.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is focusing on two themes: (i) the interrelated problems of climate change and energy security, and (ii) the complex relationships between environmental attitudes and environmentally friendly behavior. The first theme relates to the question of how European citizens perceive the problems of climate change and energy security. The second theme relates to the question if and how concerns about climate change and energy security translate into more sustainable energy preferences and a more sustainable usage of energy. To address these questions, the project uses a novel combination of data based on the module 'Public Attitudes to Climate Change' of the eighth wave of the European Social Survey as well as the national Household Budget Surveys. By doing so this interdisciplinary project offers a much needed social-scientific perspective on the relationships between energy security and climate change, thereby combining (a) a sociological and a socio-economic perspective and (b) integrating micro and macro approaches when looking for synergies and trade-offs between energy security and climate change policies in different countries across Europe.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde
• Fellow: Dallenes Hanne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Over the last decade, liberal democracies in Europe have been shaken to their core by the rise of national populisms. This puts strong pressure on all forms of solidarity, especially as they cross ethnic-cultural boundaries. The increasingly successful capture of the notion of solidarity by radical right, anti-liberal democratic forces is testimony to this. The challenge for European democracies is to identify the conditions under which solidarities in diversity can be nurtured. To address this urgent challenge, the European Training Network "Solidarity in Diversity" (SOLiDi) develops a training and research program that is focused on how to generate solidarities across cultural boundaries, taking the proximity of citizens with different ethnic-cultural backgrounds in specific places and the practices they engage in as starting point. Building on the strengths of the interculturalist paradigm, SOLiDi will originally contribute with an intersectional understanding of how place-based solidarity practices are shaped by and can work around entrenched social inequalities and unequal power relations. To that end, SOLiDi brings together a group of international scholars from sociology, geography and educational science and a wide range of non-academic partners that are active in different sectors. SOLiDi will train 15 early stage researchers in relevant theories, research methods and ethics and paradigms of social change such as public pedagogy and policy and organisational change to study practices of place-based solidarities in diversity in different geographical, policy and organisational contexts. The aim is to articulate a new vision on solidarity adapted to superdiverse societies and to better equip professionals and organisations with adequate and innovative tools for facilitating solidarity in diversity. SOLiDi aims are in line with SDG10 "Reduced Inequalities" and Societal Challenge 6 'Europe in a changing world - Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies'.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Clycq Noel

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the city of Antwerp. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project uses human biomonitoring to investigate the current internal exposure of young people to environmental pollutants around the Umicore industrial site in Hoboken, Belgium. By linking internal exposure to levels in air, deposition, dust (indoors and outdoors), food (vegetables, eggs) and water, exposure routes will be identified that can underpin policy measures. In addition, internal exposure in the target group is associated with relevant health effects through exposure-effect relationships. For both exposure and health, the local situation is compared to reference populations and to internationally recognized health-based guidance values. In this way the severity of the situation can be estimated. In the study, CRESC takes care of the design of the participatory process along the research stages and also conducts a context analysis, using socio-demographic mapping and in-depth interviews.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A new tendency is on the rise in EU urban policy-making: adopting Co-production Arrangements inspired by the paradigm of the Commons(CAC). Some pioneering casesstand out,such asthe Urban Commons Regulation in Bologna (2014), the Commons Transition Plan in Ghent (2017) and the Citizen Assets Programme in Barcelona (2017). These cities have been joined by others that either have adopted similar arrangements or are currently considering adopting them. By and large, these arrangements aim to redistribute decision making power to citizens over services and resources that are considered as essential for urban collective wellbeing (e.g. public buildings and spaces, energy and water utilities) by fostering community self-management. Preliminary and applied research on these arrangements has been carried out, mostly based on single case study analyses. However, scientific, in-depth and comparative knowledge on CAC is still scarce. By adopting an urban epistemology to the traditional state-centred political science field, COMMONCITY will produce key, useful and timely knowledge on CAC. It will comparatively analyse the i) policy models, ii) political, social and administrative challenges, iii) impact on urban democracy of recently adopted CAC in the three EU pioneering cities: Barcelona, Bologna and Ghent. By adopting a co-production-oriented approach to data collection and analysis that will foster citizen science, it will provide unique empirical data on the varieties, effective functioning and democratising effect of these arrangements. The results of COMMONCITY will contribute to the scientific debate in the broad urban study field and, specifically, in urban democracy, urban governance, urban policy-making and urban participation. It will also provide policy recommendations to various levels of government, in order to foster the adoption of CAC and improve the functioning and democratic impact of existing and under-adoption ones.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Fellow: Bianchi Iolanda

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Research shows that ethnic minority groups are less likely to be diagnosed with autism and are generally diagnosed at a later age, often after several misdiagnoses. Moreover, compared to their ethnic majority peers, minority children who are diagnosed have a more severe clinical profile (e.g., higher rates of intellectual disabilities), experience worse trajectories and outcomes, and make less use of social services. While this inequality is evident, little is known about the causes. Drawing on a cultural sociological approach, this study unpacks the cultural factors that explain these autism disparities. I propose to examine how the social categories "autistic people" and "racial/ethnic minorities" are publicly imagined in relation to each other, how people on the spectrum themselves reproduce narratives on autism and its supposed intersection with ethnicity/race; hence, how autism functions as a cultural category in everyday life. Put differently, I will analyze how an "autistic identity" and "autistic culture" is shaped and how these constructions include or exclude minority groups' intersectional experiences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Kostet Imane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Climate change, combined with urbanisation, is increasing flood risks worldwide. Mitigation efforts are insufficient to significantly reduce the likelihood of flooding, so adaptation is necessary. Flood risk adaptation strategies are brought into practice through flood risk management (FRM). FRM is often seen as a technological challenge, requiring engineering solutions. However, people experience floods in different ways, due to their location and social, physical, financial, or psychological characteristics. These differences in social vulnerability create inequalities in the capacity of people to deal with floods. There is therefore an urgent need to recognise these differences and address justice concerns through FRM policy and practice. However, a knowledge gap exists on how to make FRM more inclusive and just. This PhD project therefore addresses the following questions: (1) To what extent are differences in social vulnerability to floods recognised and addressed in national-level FRM policy and through FRM strategies? (2) How are differences in social vulnerability to floods understood by public authorities in FRM? Does that impact their attention to social vulnerability, and if so, in what way? And (3) what conditions are required to reduce social vulnerability to floods through FRM to enhance flood resilience? Answering these questions is highly relevant, because recognising the needs of socially vulnerable groups and the importance of individual and community capacity to contribute to FRM is crucial if public authorities want to increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of their policies, without exacerbating inequality in floods. The research questions are tackled using a qualitative, social-constructivist approach. A central focus is how attention to and understanding of social vulnerability to floods is constructed by policy as well as by the knowledge and expertise of stakeholders involved in FRM. Data were collected through analyses of policy documents and interviews, and parts of this PhD are also based on case study research, which provides the depth needed to explore justice and equality on a local level. The empirical data are collected in five papers, which form the basis of the PhD thesis. The papers are logically structured, starting broad and narrowing down to lower levels and scales. The first papers introduce the FRM context at a European and Flemish level, and the extent to which social vulnerability to floods is currently recognised as an issue. The consecutive papers zoom in on specific FRM strategies, and the role of individuals in FRM. Together, the chapters provide a coherent and novel storyline of social vulnerability and (in)equality in FRM. The first three years of this PhD are funded through BELSPO and the JPI Climate SOLARIS project (SOLidarity in climate change Adaptation policies: towards more socio-spatial justice in the face of multiple RISks). In those three years, empirical data have been collected and the majority of the papers have been written and published. The DOCPRO1 funding will be used to fund a fourth year, needed to finish the PhD. During the fourth year, the focus will be on finalising the last paper (and ensuring that those papers that have not been accepted yet, get published), writing the introduction and theoretical framework, contextualising the papers where necessary, and writing the discussion and conclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Fellow: Paauw Mandy

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to identify hydrogeological, ecological, economic and social criteria for sustainable subsurface management in Flanders. Geological methods, are coupled with methods from environmental economics and social sciences to gain insight into: (i) indicators and preconditions for sustainable subsurface development, (ii) geological opportunities and impacts, and (iii) above-ground environmental-economic and social impacts. Stakeholders from both the public and private sector are actively involved in the study to gain insight into their perceptions of sustainable and equitable subsurface development. The aim of this research is to provide the client (the Flemish Environment Planning Office - VPO) with tools to make well-considered (scientifically sound and socially involved) strategic policy choices regarding the sustainable use of the deep subsurface in Flanders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

De doelstelling van dit project is het schrijven van een boek over buddyprojecten ter ondersteuning van mensen na detentie. Het boek is gebaseerd op actieonderzoek uitgevoerd tussen 2016 en 2022 naar hoe vrijwilligers in samenwerking met professionals mensen na detentie ondersteunen in hun integratieproces in de samenleving

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

European liberal democracies are shaken by a legitimation crisis. Over the last decades, a feeling of distrust has grown among civil society towards state institutions. There is thus an urgent need to enable processes that deepen democracy and increase trust in public institutions. The implementation of an urban collaborative governance based on Coproduction Arrangements inspired by the Paradigm of the Commons (CAPC) is increasingly considered as a means to address this need. The overarching aim of COMMOCRACY is to investigate whether and how CAPC recently adopted in three different European cities can strengthen democracy and help to rearticulate a trustful relationship between civil society and public institutions. It will look at CAPC's democratic qualities and analyse their impact on the rearticulation of civil society/public institutions relationship. The project will pay close attention to the Covid-19 crisis to understand whether and how it has affected this rearticulation. It will use a qualitative-interpretative research methodology based on a three-case comparative study: the Regulation for the Urban Commons (Bologna), the Citizen Heritage (Barcelona) and the Commons Transition Plan (Ghent). COMMOCRACY will produce results which are of high relevance for EU science, society and policy by advancing and bridging knowledge in urban theory and political science debates on democracy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Fellow: Bianchi Iolanda

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The publication of a report for the attention of the Minister and the Belgian institutions (all entities) by the spring of 2023. This report will provide an answer to the question "how to organize and implement the just transition in Belgium" and will be published as a scientific contribution to the National Conference.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project includes a small assignment for CAW Antwerp. The researcher provided advice on the development of an impact measurement instrument. The researcher provided advice based on an impact evaluation in residential counseling services.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to gain insight into the perceived value of tap water by the Flemish domestic drinking water customer, its relationship with price perception, and the explanatory underlying factors through a combination of literature study, qualitative exploration and international comparative quantitative research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Vlaeminck Siegfried

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We provide advice and support to researchers of EMINO vzw. Emino is conducting an evaluation research on practices to promote and support activation and well-being of young people. The researchers UAntwerpen support the researchers of EMINO in conducting this evaluation research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Co-promoter: Van Dam Sylvie

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

PISTE aims to improve the quality of civic and integration policies, promoting the participation of migrants in the design, implementation and evaluation of integration policies, and their peer assessment in Small and Medium-sized Towns (SMTs). To do so, PISTE involves a partnership of 3 academic institutions, 4 Municipalities and 1 NGO located in 4 European countries. The activities foreseen are: 1. Supporting evidence-based policy making, 2. Sharing and assessing policy measures, starting from partner and target municipalities and scaling up to the European level 3. Promoting civic and political participation through co-design workshops involving actors from SMTs' authorities and civil society 4. Experimenting fine-tuned and revised local measures 5. Disseminating outputs beyond the partnership via multilingual digital resources, collecting experiences and tools for policy innovation in European SMTs. The main outputs will be: 1. Guidelines for the implementation of integration and participation policy in SMTs 2. Stakeholders? assessment reports about policies implemented in SMTs 3. White Paper on the promotion of minorities' participation and activism in welcoming communities 4. Digital resources (good practices in SMTs) PISTE will lead to the increased availability of tools, methods and models designed and implemented locally - tailored to involve immigrants? in SMTs - and to multiply the number of immigrants' groups involved in the policy process. In the short run beneficiaries will be policy-makers involved in partner and target municipalities, and other stakeholders (e.g. advocacy and immigrants associations and informal groups) - estimate n.: 160; in the mid-term, policy experiments and dissemination guidelines will enable to reach both policy recipients among the immigrant population (estimate n. 750) and other policy-makers (n. 150); website and social media channels will reach an estimate n. of 30000 visits.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project includes a work package of a research project on the reintegration process of people after detention. We are conducting focus groups from the quantitative and qualitative research findings. We formulate recommendations for improved practices that support people after detention.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This scientific study uses human biomonitoring and environmental measurements to investigate how a group of 300 young people in the region around 3M are exposed to PFAS and what this exposure does in the body. The study design is interdisciplinary.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Schoeters Greta

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This applied research project aims to assist the nuclear regulatory authority in Sweden (SSM) in developing appropriate forms of dialogue and consultation, directed at different stakeholders during the construction and operation of facilities related to the final disposal of nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel. It furthermore wants to contribute to the literature on environmental and technological risk governance by focusing on the long-term participation in the implementation and operation of geological disposal. For that purpose, a qualitative analysis will be undertaken of expectations and concerns among the main actors involved as well as opportunities and threats regarding targeted engagement activity by SSM. The research will consist of a literature review and document analysis, as well as in-depth interviews and small group discussions with targeted respondents (e.g. the Swedish Municipalities with nuclear facilities - with a specific focus on Östhammar and Oskarshamn, national and regional concerned authorities, NGOs, etc). Most of this field work will be done through online interaction. The views collected will be compared with the experience of a number of regulatory authorities from other countries, more specifically, Canada, Switzerland, France and Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The MINAR project aims to shed light on the past, present and future narratives on migration and the consequences hereof in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Latvia, Italy, Romania and Turkey, by approaching these narratives from a wide variety of stakeholder, migrant and non-migrant perspectives, focusing on both immigration and emigration. The objective of the project is to combine insights from existing theories in migration studies, using a gender sensitive approach and a wide variety of research methods.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Praag Lore

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to facilitate and support the preparation of holistic state-of-the-environment reporting ('omgevingsrapportage'). University of Antwerp inspires the holistic state-of-the-art environment reporting by interviewing internal and external stakeholders and by bringing together good practices based on document analysis. The information gathered is analysed and interpreted and leads to - amongst others - the identification of basic conditions for good holistic state-of-the environment reporting and presenting a number of (if-then) scenarios for holistic state-of-the-environment reporting in Flanders. The results of this project aim to inspire the commissioner in drafting an executive order and the multi-anual work programme. Given the submission dates of these documents, to know: autumn 2021 for the executive order and end of 2021 for the multi-annual work programme, the project foresees in-between feedback loops on the results.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

3xG stands for '(Environment and) Health - Municipalities - Newborns'. The study follows up the (environmental) health of a cohort of 300 newborns over a longer period in the region of Dessel, Mol and Retie. The project was suggested by the local partnerships STORA (Dessel) and MONA (Mol) in the framework of the cAt-project (disposal of low level radioactive waste (category A) and steered by NIRAS, the national agency for radioactive waste, in cooperation with the partnerships. Human biomonitoring is used as a novel technique to measure exposure to environmental conditions in the body. On the one hand human biomonitoring is used as a novel technique for early warning on human exposure to old and new chemicals and its effects in the body; on the other hand morbidity and mortality registers are analysed. During this term the campaign focusses on the 7-years old children. UAntwerpen leads the research into social and community aspects of the study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

CRESC is institutional coordinator of this research project, which further engages in the analysis of human biomonitoring results from the FLEHS measurement campaign 2016-2020, in collaboration with content coordinator VITO.Regarding the social science research line, CRESC will 1) further scrutinize the social gradient and household context of environmentally relevant behavior; 2) explore the principles and feasibility of a youth-focused citizen science initiative, and 3) further gauge the participant experience in view of subsequent measurement campaigns.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

As a knowledge platform, valorization and training center, the Hannah Arendt Institute aims to bridge the gap between the academic world and the wider society. In doing so, we focus on themes that pose a challenge to our increasingly complex society, such as urbanity, (super) diversity, integration, equality, polarisation, radicalisation, social cohesion, digitization and citizenship.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

SOLARIS focuses on social-spatial injustices of Climate Change Adaptation Policies (CCAP). The hypothesis in SOLARIS is that social and spatial inequalities exist and threaten the implementation of climate change adaptation policies and the equitable involvement of affected citizens. Several potential social injustices may occur in face of climate change and policies implemented to assist adaptation: i) injustice in the levels of risk experienced and how these will be impacted by climate changes ii) injustice related to the level of contribution to tackling risk and implementing climate adaptation iii) differences in the level of ability to impact decision-making? and iv) injustice in the capacity to respond and adapt. Understanding how these injustices occur and who is advantaged or disadvantaged and in what manner, is critical to implementing socially acceptable and just climate change adaptation policies. This is particularly true for floods, that are among the main climate and weather-related causes of damage in Europe. Through the lens of flood risk management, we will evaluate the design of climate change adaptation policies and the instruments that they use to reduce the risk from extreme events. Concentrating on those strategies which better integrate adaptive actions, SOLARIS focuses on flood prevention, the accommodation of water to reduce impacts and flood preparation and recovery. A case study approach will be adopted (2 per country) to analyse cases which have implemented, or which are in the process of implementing climate change adaptation policies. This approach permits the study of ongoing participation as well as exampling the socio-spatial inequalities that may only be revealed postimplementation. Based on multi-disciplinary research from four countries (Belgium, England, Finland, France), the SOLARIS project addresses two questions: i) How can we assess and map socio-spatial inequalities related to the implementation of climate change adaptation policies? We explore what factors make specific groups less involved in climate change adaptation policies and analyse their distributional impacts. ii) How are inequalities addressed by adaptation policies? We examine what solidarity mechanisms are implemented and how affected groups are engaged in adaptation policies. Integration in the decision-making process is studied through citizen participation during the processes of definition and implementation. SOLARIS has both scientific and societal objectives. It aims to develop conceptual and analytical approaches to reveal social justice perspectives of CCAPs and explore the policy and decision-making process for a large range of stakeholders (policy-makers, practitioners, citizens..) to facilitate participatory processes. The project will advance the state-of-the-art by developing frameworks to identify and analyse the socio-spatial inequalities of CCAP. This is relevant to provide recommendations about how policies can better account for and minimise the inequality. SOLARIS is based on multi-disciplinary research (e.g. law, sociology, geography and planning) and the consortium gathers researchers from 4 countries (Belgium, England, Finland and France).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Policymakers and public health experts unanimously recognise the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable persons: even in countries with well-developed responses, the outbreak and its repercussions imperil the basic well-being of social groups whose livelihoods are already precarious, while the uneven distribution of suffering threatens to aggravate inequality and division. One complicating factor here is the intersectional nature of health and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Another is the complexity of risk in contemporary socioecological systems. The COVINFORM project will draw upon intersectionality theory and complex systems analysis in an interdisciplinary critique of COVID-19 responses on the levels of government, public health, community, and information and communications. The project will conduct research on three levels: 1) on an EU27 MS plus UK level, quantitative secondary data will be analysed and models will be developed; 2) Within 15 target countries, documentary sources on the national level and in at least one local community per country will be analysed; 3) in 10 target communities, primary empirical research will be conducted, utilising both classical and innovative quantitative and qualitative methods (e.g. visual ethnography, participatory ethnography, and automated analysis of short video testimonials). Promising practices will be evaluated in target communities through case studies spanning diverse disciplines (social epidemiology, the economics of unpaid labour, the sociology of migration, etc.) and vulnerable populations (COVID-19 patients, precarious families, migrating health care workers, etc.). The project will culminate in the development of an online portal and visual toolkit for stakeholders in government, public health, and civil society integrating data streams, indices and indicators, maps, models, primary research and case study findings, empirically grounded policy guidance, and creative assessment tools.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Praag Lore

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish government. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the KBS. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Our project sets out to produce better forms of collaboration and more complementary forms of solidarity between faith-based (including humanistic) organisations (FBOs) and secular welfare state institutions (WSIs). It does so by 1° examining the dynamic interaction between FBOs and WSIs in an interdisciplinary way and through a multi-method approach and 2° the co-creation by both FBOs and WSIs of new practices of solidarity and social support. The interdisciplinary and multi-method approach serves to 1° reveal the potentialities and frictions of FBOs in relation to the political standards of secular WSIs and 2° transcend essentialist and dichotomous views so as to understand existing forms of negotiation and mutual adaptation. In concrete terms, the project will map the FBOs active in the field of local social support in five cities (Research Project 1), examine the interaction between FBOs and WSIs from an historical and political-philosophical angle (RP2 and RP3), and create shared insights as well as new procedures and practices through action research (RP4). Building on this, the process of co-creation will involve two related working groups. WG1 will produce a concept and pilot for a dynamic and interactive social map and ICTinterface, proceeding from existing (fragmented, non-dynamic and non-interactive) social maps and the results of RP1 while jointly tackling issues of selection and definition. WG2 will build on the insights generated in the scientific part so as to conceive educational and training modules for 1° volunteers and social workers, 2° local employees (of WSIs) and policy makers, 3° instructors and mentors involved in the integration of newcomers, and 4° future professional social workers. Implementation is ensured through close collaboration with organizations targeting exactly these groups. The method of co-creation fosters implementation because the results will be based on shared concerns, insights and objectives.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Co-promoter: Schrooten Mieke

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The central aim of this research is to examine how children with diverse backgrounds construct personal and collective identities in the super-diverse city of Antwerp. How do children describe their differential identities? How do they develop (or not) a sense of belonging in a society that to a large extent seems to reproduce inequalities between different groups? How do these senses of belonging affect their well-being and aspirations? To answer these questions, and to highlight the hardly heard experiences of children themselves, I aim to conduct a qualitative longitudinal analysis of children's identity formation during the age of eleven and thirteen. Employing a cultural-sociological approach - inspired by, among others, Bourdieu's work - I will track the heterogeneous group of children during their transition from primary to secondary education. Three rounds of in-depth interviews and class observations will be held over this period of more than two years. In addition, I will conduct interviews with parents and focus groups with teachers and peers, in order to gain insight into their stimulating or restricting role in the children's differential identity formation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Clycq Noel
• Fellow: Kostet Imane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The city council of Ghent aims to analyse how the relationship between local civil society and the local government and between local civil society organisations themselves can be organised in a different and more adequate way. The following questions are central. What concerns the relationship between civil society and local government, we aim to identify which forms of support civil society organisations expect from the local government, how the administrative burdens on organisations can be reduced, how the local government can work across sectoral policy fields and how it can arrive at a more clear division of labour with civil society. What concerns internal relations within civil society itself, we analyse how existing activities and provisions can be matched and overlap can be reduced and how the relationships between small self-organisations and large established organisations can be improved.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On request of the Department of Environment of the Flemish government, indicator sheets are being developed to visualize and illustrate the key figures and the impact of the Flemish Human biomonitoring program. The requested advice mainly relates to stakeholder participation, communication of research results to participants and other target groups and uptake of research results in policy making.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This proposal aims to assess how non-profit organizations (NPO's) adapt their advocacy role and strategies to the new governance context of the post-co oratist welfare state. The recent emergence of market-oriented modes of governance increasingly erode the long-established government-nonprofit relationships in co oratist welfare states, leading to more volatile relationships. We want to advance existing research by empirically analyzing how NPO's in Flanders perceive the pressure of their changing context, how and which 'new' advocacy strategies are developed and how these strategies are perceived as 'effective' by policy makers. To do so, we adopt a mixed-methods research design. We start with a regression analysis of not yet analyzed quantitative survey data (from the CSI Flanders project) on the advocacy role and strategies of Flemish NPO's and the market-oriented modes of governance in which they are operating. This is complemented by qualitative multiple case study research to analyze perspectives of NPO on how and to which extent market-oriented modes of governance will diminish their advocacy role and an experiment with vignettes of advocacy strategies employed by NPOs to assess effectiveness of advocacy strategies from the perspective of policy makers. Finally, all insights from this mixed methods study are drawn together to develop a theory of NPO advocacy within the context of the post-co oratist welfare state.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this research project we conduct an action research to explore how and under which circumstances volunteers and professional social workers can collaborate to guid and support ex-prisoners after their release from prison.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Knowledge Platform aims to centralize scientific research on diversity, urbanity and citizenship and to develop further research valorization in this regard in collaboration with various societal partners. The figure of Hannah Arendt and the critical reading of her writings are an inspiration to reflect on and tackle societal challenges such as fear, frustration and indifference in an increasingly complex urban society reality. In order to realize individual engagement linked to sustainable community development, the institute wants to focus on innovative knowledge about urban democracy, learning environments with room for experiments and living labs, new ideas about urgency participation and co-productive democracy and the setting up of smart structures and lifelong learning services and experiences. We do this specifically by: 1/ Bringing together academia, the professional field and the general public (network creation); 2/ identifying evidence- and practice-based methods and practices that are effictive, feasible and impactful; 3/ setting up specific valorisation, education and training programs for various target groups

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the KBS. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overwhelming reality of climate change often causes despair and inactivity among citizens. However, social movements that cultivate hope might counter this. Therefore, this project researches how the climate justice movement deals with hope. By investigating this, I aim to gain insight into social dynamics of hope and into the upcoming climate justice movement – there is much to be known about both topics. My innovation is to see hope as a social process, as something between people, rather than merely as an abstract idea. Because hope is something that people collectively 'think' and 'feel' I will also look at how hope relates to two sociological concepts in practice: first by looking at transition narratives - the stories people tell about how societies can get more sustainable. Second by looking at interaction rituals – the ways how people create excitement in situations like meetings or demonstrations. From these theoretical viewpoints, I will investigate two case studies: I will study first climate justice groups in Belgium, and then I will look at the anti-gas resistance in Groningen, the Netherlands. I will investigate how these movements deal with hope, by analyzing public documents, by observing and joining movements in their everyday functioning, by interviewing participants and finally by having a focus group. As such, I aim to contribute in building out an academic and socially relevant sociology of hope.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse
• Fellow: Vandepitte Ewoud

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The integration of migrants is a complex societal challenge. There is disagreement about both the causes and the consequences, but what we do know is that the problem cannot be tackled within one policy domain, nor by the government alone. The government has to collaborate with associations and citizens to jointly create an integration policy. In this study, we assume that the objectives of such a network of partners in the field of local integration policy are twofold. On the one hand, the aim of a network is to be steady and resilient. The number of actors, the relationships between these actors and the willingness of actors to participate in the network is important. On the other hand, the intention is to achieve certain explicit and implicit goals. In this PhD research will be examined how a network can be coordinated in order to achieve the objectives. Five Flemish central cities will be investigated. On the basis of document analysis, interviews and focus group discussions, insight will be gained into local integration policy and the relationships between the partners. By means of a network analysis, the relationships between the partners in the local integration policy will be visualized. Based on these findings, a number of conditions/good practices in the field of coordination will be detected.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The current research aims to apply a comparative approach to the study of migration trajectories of people coming from Morocco, DR Congo, Somalia and Syria and now residing in Belgium. The central aim is to examine how environmental changes relate to and indirectly or directly impact the migration trajectories of the distinct migrant groups, living in Belgium. Environmental change is intertwined with other migration reasons, such as economic and political reasons, but there is still too little research into how this actually works. There is relatively little overlap between environmental studies relating migration and migration studies. Hardly any research has been done on the best methodological approach to study environmental migration. Finally, this research aims to explore in which way existing models and theories of migration aspirations and dynamics can be adopted to develop a theoretical framework and conceptual model on environmental migration and aims to fill in the different gaps in existing literature. The objectives of this research are challenging and innovative as they aim to examine the best conceptual and methodological approach to study environmentally induced migration aspirations that considers both environmental changes and prevailing migration dynamics. In doing so, respondents' perspectives on the ways in which environmental factors interplay and influence other migration reasons throughout their (fragmented) migration trajectories will be examined.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Van Praag Lore
• Fellow: Ou-Salah Loubna

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project examines the relation between social class and environmentalism. Environmentalism refers to both attitudes about environmental problems and pro-environmental behaviour. The key research question is: "How and why do people from different social classes differ in their tendency towards environmentalism?" While previous research has been dominated by a unidimensional understanding of both social class and environmentalism, these approaches fail to appreciate the complexity of their relation. I argue that a multidimensional approach is needed because each social class dimension may relate differently to each dimension of environmentalism. Social class has an economic, cultural, social and socio-professional dimension. Environmentalism has an attitudinal dimension (the severity of environmental problems, its consequences, causes and solutions) and a behavioural dimension (behavioural practices and the reasons why people perform them). In this project, quantitative and qualitative data are combined into a mixed methods research design. Quantitative methods will examine and compare how social class dimensions relate to the dimensions of environmentalism, based on data (n= +/-1500) from the Flemish Survey on Socio-Cultural Shifts (2010, 2016, 2017) and the International Social Survey Programme (2010). Qualitative methods, based on interview data, search for explanations to understand why social class is related to environmentalism, thus explaining quantitative findings.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandermoere Frederic
• Co-promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Fellow: Geerts Robbe

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The central aim of this research is to explore to what extent nonprofit organizations are able to manage an increasingly diverse workforce. Focusing on ethnic minorities in Flemish nonprofit organizations, the proposed research has two goals. Firstly, the research aims to propose a sociological and empirical assessment of how the existing discourses and strategies on diversity management are shaped within the organization and its broader structural and societal context. Secondly, I will investigate the role of ethnic groups' competencies and cultural identities within the organization and their ability or inability to fully employ them in the workplace. On a practical level, my aim is to identify organizational characteristics that facilitate or prevent the crafting of broader norms on competencies and identities. This gives me the opportunity to provide organizations with a set of alternative diversity management tools

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Co-promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Fellow: Elloukmani Sara

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The theme of the sharp and the blurry is fundamental for the act of looking / observing. This fact is crucial in higher art education, my sculptural work, the arts and society. The phantom statute of the unsharp, it's relationship to our memories, it's intimate character and openness for interpretation is what attracts me in the blurry. I will first investigate the meaning of the blurry and the sharp within photography, and will then look as a sculptor how the sharp and unsharp relate to sculpture. In this is how I hope to develop a well-founded personal vision about 'the blurry' or the unsharp. In this project, I search for the presence of the unsharp in authentic photographs in my family albums of the 1970s and 1980s. I will create new photographs through the act of enlarging and cutting. Cosyness, mystery, intimacy, tactility and abstraction will be dominant themes in these new photos. Based on these new images, I want to create tactile sculptures and installations that are characterized by blurriness. How do sharpness-unsharpness relate to the memory that takes shape through visual media such as family albums? What is the role of focus and blurring in sculpture versus photography? And what is the impact of this effect on our memories? How does sharpness – unsharpness relate to the tactile space and how does 'being embodied' in a tactile environment relate to the sculptural? How does this relate to other media? These are just a few research questions that I will deal with.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It is widely recognized that many nonprofit organizations (NPOs) adopt a political role and strive towards societal change. On the one hand, there is a vast body of research in non-profit management that acknowledges the value of nonprofit advocacy (Al-Mog Bar & Schmid, 2014), defined as the use of several strategies and tactics 'attempting to influence the decisions of an institutional elite on behalf of a collective interest' (Kimberlin, 2010). On the other hand, mainly outside of the field of non-profit management, there has been a lot of reflection on the changing nature of the political role of NPOs, referring notably to life style, deliberative and agonistic politics (Beck, 1997; Fung & Wright, 2001; Mouffe, 2005). This suggests a possible shift in the strategies and tactics in non-profit advocacy. A dearth of studies investigates to what extent NPOs adopt strategies in achieving policy changes as well as creating public debate on issues of concern. This study aims to combine these two bodies of research to add to the debate on the NPOs political role by identifying the factors underlying engagement in (a) political advocacy, and (b) civic awareness on public issues, as perceived by NPOs in Flanders (the northern region of Belgium). We adopt a mixed methods approach. The quantitative logistic regression analysis is based on data collected by means of a two-wave survey directed to the directors of NPOs (N = 496) active at the Flemish leveli in the human well-being-, social economy- and sociocultural domain. We subsequently aim to test and refine our findings by means of in-depth interviews with nonprofit representatives (leaders, social workers and volunteers) that indicated either successful or unsuccessful engagement in nonprofit political activity. Doing so, this study contributes to the study of the political role of non-profit organizations in two ways. First, this study draws on relevant insights on the changing political strategies of NPOs from outside the field of non-profit management to enrich our understand of NPOs advocacy role. Second, this study responds to the call for more multi-methods studies in the field of nonprofit in order to compensate for the inherent weaknesses associated with individual methods.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Fellow: Carré Björn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Feasibility study and preparation of a community-based concept for the digital reporting-back of personal human biomonitoring results to individual participants in human biomonitoring campaigns that measure environmental exposure.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Schoeters Greta

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Narratives on a "better life" that can become reality elsewhere have always been shaping human migration. The image or idea of a "promised land", however, might not be real, and newcomers are often faced with obstacles and challenges. Certain narratives and perceptions of Europe influence migration aspirations and false images can not only lead to problems when the image does not hold true, but it might also even lead to security threats, risks or radicalisation. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to understand and investigate narratives about Europe, how these can lead to problems and threats, how they are distributed, and, in a next step, find ways to react and counteract on them. Perceptions on Europe are formed in the country of residence, and they are based on a multitude of sources. Social media and new communication networks, in addition, have increased the scope and the intensity of distribution of such narratives; and furthermore, so-called filter bubbles and echo chambers can lead to isolated misperceptions that are not corrected. Due to new communication technologies, false or incorrect claims become life on their own, raise expectations or disapproval. At the same time, however, these technologies and communication networks might also provide a channel to set an exaggerated image straight and to promote a more realistic narrative. It is, therefore, the aim of the PERCEPTIONS project to identify and understand the narratives and (mis-)perceptions of the EU abroad, assess potential issues related with the border and external security in order to allow better planning and outline reactions and countermeasures. For that purpose, the project will conduct research on the narratives and the myths that are circulating about the EU in countries West- and Central Mediterranean area. Based on the research insights, the consortium will develop a PERCEPTIONS framework model including policy recommendations and action plans.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Praag Lore

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

3xG stands for '(Environment and) Health - Municipalities - Newborns'. The study follows up the (environmental) health of a cohort of 300 newborns over a longer period in the region of Dessel, Mol and Retie. The project was suggested by the local partnerships STORA (Dessel) and MONA (Mol) in the framework of the cAt-project (disposal of low level radioactive waste (category A) and steered by NIRAS, the national agency for radioactive waste, in cooperation with the partnerships. Human biomonitoring is used as a novel technique to measure exposure to environmental conditions in the body. On the one hand human biomonitoring is used as a novel technique for early warning on human exposure to old and new chemicals and its effects in the body; on the other hand morbidity and mortality registers are analysed. UAntwerpen leads the research into social and community aspects of the study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project has two objectives: 1) to complement a literature review on 'Chemicals, multiple stressors in deprived urban areas, and green space' from a social scientific perspective, 2) to initiate statistical analyses on the European DEMOCOPHES data about the relations between biomonitoring data and socioeconomic indicators.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the European Social Fund. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The central aim of this research is to examine how children with diverse backgrounds construct personal and collective identities in the super-diverse city of Antwerp. How do children describe their differential identities? How do they develop (or not) a sense of belonging in a society that to a large extent seems to reproduce inequalities between different groups? How do these senses of belonging affect their well-being and aspirations? To answer these questions, and to highlight the hardly heard experiences of children themselves, I aim to conduct a qualitative longitudinal analysis of children's identity formation during the age of eleven and thirteen. Employing a cultural-sociological approach - inspired by, among others, Bourdieu's work - I will track the heterogeneous group of children during their transition from primary to secondary education. Three rounds of in-depth interviews and class observations will be held over this period of more than two years. In addition, I will conduct interviews with parents and focus groups with teachers and peers, in order to gain insight into their stimulating or restricting role in the children's differential identity formation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Clycq Noel
• Fellow: Kostet Imane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Government. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Government. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the EMMAUS. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand SAM. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

How society should deal with people who commit criminal acts is a question that has been asked for centuries. A recent evolution in Belgium and other European countries is to submit more offenders to alternative sanctions or measures. This means that they are not imprisoned, but placed under supervision and guidance while remaining part of society. Social work has traditionally been involved with implementing alternative sanctions and measures. Although these new forms of punishment are increasingly applied, academic research on the way supervision and guidance of offenders in the community is organized, is relatively scarce. Moreover, what actually happens in the practice of community supervision is still a 'black box': we don't know much about what practitioners actually do. However, one thing we do know from research, is that a good working relationship between practitioners and offenders forms a crucial element in the success of the supervision process. That is why it is important to know how this working relationship takes shape, how it develops over time and whether it can be positively influenced. These questions are the core of my doctoral research. By looking at the practice of community supervision in different ways (using observations, interviews and questionnaires), I contribute to the development of knowledge in a field that has remained underexposed in academic research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Fellow: Boxstaens Johan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Inter-generational solidarity is one of the main motives for starting the long-term management of high-level radioactive waste. Geological disposal is invariably put forward as the reference solution, as in the NIRAS Waste Plan. However, its implementation is a work that extends over several generations. The responsibility with regard to the next generations therefore makes it necessary to deal consciously with the challenge of developing a robust process design; building in facilities that allow future generations of civil society actors to be involved over the long period ranging from a policy decision on geological disposal to the closure of such an installation. The integration of this long-term perspective in the design of a decision-making process, within which sufficient flexibility with respect to social evolutions (including technology) is foreseen, is therefore a mandatory assignment. The European Directive 2011/70 / Euratom obliges every European member state to adopt a national program for the long-term management of radioactive waste by August 2015. Here, the focus is on highly radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Directive mentions geological disposal as the reference solution (as opposed to surface disposal for low and intermediate level waste), but recognizes the autonomy of the Member States over the management of their radioactive waste. The ONDRAF / NIRAS Waste Plan can in essence be regarded as a preparatory document that serves as the basis for a Belgian program. To date, however, no formal political decision has been linked to the Waste Plan. In the meantime, Directive 2011/70 / Euratom has been transposed into Belgian legislation, which lays down the responsibilities for this process, among other things. After all, the European Directive not only requires Member States to make choices about long-term management, but also explicitly requests that 'milestones and timeframes' (Article 12.c) be included and that the necessary opportunities must be given to stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process (Article 10.2). These principles were adopted in Belgian law, but not yet operationalized. Through this research we aim to provide ONDRAF / NIRAS with tools to, together with the most important stakeholders, shape a governance process for the long-term management of Belgian high-level radioactive waste. We deliberately use the notion of governance here, to indicate that the process encompasses more than only technical and administrative management. How can a process be designed that is sufficiently robust and flexible to guarantee the safe management of this waste, today and in the future? The central research question is therefore as follows: How can inter-generational stakeholder involvement in the long-term management of the category B & C waste be consciously and actively designed? Organizing inter-generational stakeholder involvement poses a clear fundamental scientific question within the literature, but also has practical implications on the strategic orientation that must be followed today.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

3xG stands for '(Environment and) Health - Municipalities - Births'. The study follows up the (environmental) health of inhabitants, and more in particular a cohort of newborns over al longer period in the region of Dessel, Mol and Retie. The project was suggested by the local partnerships STORA (Dessel) and MONA (Mol) in the framework of the cAt-project (disposal of low level radioactive waste (category A) and steered by NIRAS, the national agency for radioactive waste, in cooperation with the partnerships. On the one hand human biomonitoring is used as a novel technique for early warning on human exposure to old and new chemicals and its effects in the body; on the other hand morbidity and mortality registers are analysed. In the 2018-project UAntwerpen will focus on two tasks: (i) facilitate the external communication of collective biomonitoring results on endocrine disrupting chemicals to local stakeholders and the public. (ii) conduct focus groups with young children (8-9 years old) in 4 elementary schools in Dessel, Mol, Retie and Antwerp to gain better insights into the child perspective on environmental health.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This explorative research will allow to identify social differences in the exposure of adoloscents to ftalates en bisfenol A, known as endocrine distruptors, assessed in the urine of 14 and 15 years young boys and girls in Flanders between 2007 and 2014.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It concerns an advisory assignment with regard to identifying and formulating impact indicators for developing a human biomonitoring programme at the European level, within the context of the HBM4EU project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In 2006 the partnerships STORA and MONA reflected about their future role within the cAt-project. Both partnerships wanted to keep their current form and continue to follow up the project after the design phase. Since then, there has been no more formal reason to think about the future, however 2017 seems a good time to do so. Pending the nuclear license by the FANC, ONDRAF / NIRAS and the partnerships are working on a social license: a full agreement between ONDRAF / NIRAS, STORA and MONA and the municipalities of Dessel and Mol on the complete implementation and operation of the integrated surface disposal facility. This social permit must confirm that all conditions are met and that green light can be given for the execution of the surface disposal. Practical questions include: • What role do the partnerships want to have in the next phase? How are the tasks divided? • Is a mere follow-up enough or do they want to actively participate? • Which conditions have been filled in? What conditions deserve an update? Is there an agreement about the trajectories for permanent follow-up that lie ahead? • How much money goes to each subproject? Our contribution will be to identify the various interpretations of participation that the parties involved in the cAt project hold. Furthermore, together with the surveyed stakeholders, we want to link this conceptual framework to the organizational implications. Because of the long term characteristic of the cAt-project, decisions on the new governance-models and on the budgeting necessarily will be reduced to a consideration on flexibility and institutionalization.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the European Social Fund. UA provides the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

For the update of the energy poverty barometer, we use the most recent data of the EU SILC survey (Study on Income and Living Conditions). The calculation of the barometer is described in the following report: Delbeke, B., Holzhemer, L., Oosterlynck, S. en Meyer, S. (2014) Baromètre de la Précarité Energétique. Méthodologie et détails techniques. Antwerpen: UA-OASeS/Brussel: ULB-CEESE.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the past years, Belgium, like the rest of Europe, experienced an exceptionally high influx of asylum seekers and refugees. This sudden influx poses special challenges for both the host community and the refugees. A large proportion of the refugees initially end up in "arrival districts" in large cities with a superdiverse population, where all kinds of economic, religious and ethnic fault lines run straight through each other (Geldof 2015, Oosterlynck et al 2016, Saunders 2010). The incoming refugees themselves also include a particularly diverse group of people with higher and lower educational levels, religious communities (from Shiites to Evangelical Christians) and ethnicities (Kurds and Arabs in Syria, Pashtun and Tajik in Afghanistan and Tigrinya and Tiger in Eritrea). While many refugees first land in large cities, there are more and more who, sometimes only after some time, end up in smaller municipalities. The question that arises is how these refugees look at living together with Belgians and people of other nationalities? Do they feel at home in the big city or in the small municipality, and do they seek contact with Belgians? Do they consider the city or the municipality as their new home, or as a temporary stop where they ended up without much choice? How do their first contacts with Belgians, other newcomers and second generation migrants go, and how do these contacts change over time? What role do networks play in building language learning, access to community life, education and the labor market? What tensions do they experience between the standards and values ​​of their host country and those of their country of origin? How do these tensions change over time? What consequences does this have for the place where they want to live? Are there differences between living together in the big city and in small municipalities? And finally: what implications does this have for the different facets of the local and Flemish integration policy (integration, language, housing, education, work)? We propose to study these questions on the basis of three aspects of living together in diversity, which focus on the specific situation of refugees: the development of social networks, symbolic border work (identity) and spatial experiences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Vandevoordt Robin

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Based on an investigation of the perceived aims of human biomonitoring (HBM), the project aims to develop a set of indicators that allows an assessment of the added value of HBM in Flanders, not only for the Flemish context, but also for the national and European context.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the policy research centre welfare and health. UA provides the policy research centre the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand CAW Antwerpen. UA provides CAW Antwerpen the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It concerns an advisory assignment with regard to identifying and formulating impact indicators for developing a human biomonitoring programme at the European level, within the context of the HBM4EU project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

HBM4EU is a joint effort of 28 countries, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission, co-funded under Horizon 2020. The initiative is coordinating and advancing human biomonitoring in Europe. HBM4EU is generating evidence of the actual exposure of citizens to chemicals and the possible health effects in order to support policy making, at EU as well as domestic level.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

From the summer of 2015 onwards, Europe has encountered a refugee crisis which has fed into a wide range of controversies, ranging from acute humanitarian needs to the alleged security threats posed by refugees. Citizens have responded to these controversies in diverse ways, some turning into amateur humanitarian aid workers overnight, others taking political engagements by protesting and manifesting against the arrival of asylum seekers in their neighbourhood. This research project aims to explore how and to which extent these controversies have fueled new moral and political ideas on 'our' precise responsibilities towards 'strangers'. To do so we examine the rise and development of civil movements that emerged in response to three types of specific refugee controversies: a) citizens helping refugees, in spite of the absence of major NGOs or national governments (e.g. Dunkirk and Calais); b) citizens protesting against the arrival of refugees (e.g. by the establishment of new asylum centers); and c) confrontational controversies where both supportive and protesting citizens encounter one another (e.g. Greek Islands where many refugees arrive). To examine these cases, we rely upon a multi-sited, qualitative research design using methods such as in-depth interviews and participant observations, so as to explore citizens' beliefs, motivations and actions in considerable depth.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Research objective: which economic models are suitable for maintaining the open green space in an urbanized environment in a profitable way via urban agriculture? How can economically profitable green structures be built into an urbanized environment?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Moons Ingrid

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Cities around the world are diversifying in a rapid pace and a metropolitan city such as Antwerp is no exception to this trend. Against the background of the ongoing refugee crisis, international conflict in the Middle-East and jihadi-Salafist terrorism, many Flemish natives currently perceive the growing presence of Muslims as a fundamental threat to our society. The latter is imagined as a secular, or at least 'inherently' non-Islamic society. However, Muslims are often a marginal voice in these public debates and insights on how Muslim identities are (re-)negotiated in such a 'hostile' context are scarce. Some research has indicated that the hostility towards Muslims is growing, while, at the same time, the religious identity of many Muslims is becoming more important and tends to be represented as a crucial emblem of their identity. Many Muslims, however, rather denounce the essentializing processes placed upon them by many Flemish natives, which tend to perceive and categorize Muslims solely based upon this religious affiliation. It is this conundrum the current research proposal wants to tackle: how is ethno-religious identity of Muslims in Flanders made and unmade in the everyday interaction between individuals, as well as in the broader public debate? The proposed project aims to further analyse this apparent conundrum by putting forward the hypothesis that a growing religious self-identification among Muslims is related to the deteriorating public image of Islam and Muslim identity. To gain insights in these often unconscious and difficult to grasp processes of boundary and identity work, we designed a multiphase mixed methods design in three distinct sequences. Furthermore, we study these processes in nine different settings: four secondary schools, one tertiary education setting and four labour market settings to get fine-grained insight both on the individual as well as on the institutional level (socio-demographic composition of the specific context and open or conservative approach to diversity). The innovative methodological framework engages with these issues via three strategies: we start with a broad survey analysis to construct specific profiles of respondents that are used to deepen our understanding in two subsequent phases. First respondents with specific profiles are asked to participate in individual in-depth interviews facilitated by the Photo Q Methodology as to study boundary work from the perspective of the individual. In a final stage individuals are asked to participate in 'confrontational' focus group discussions to study boundary and identity work in a real life resembling interactional context as to study how boundaries are reworked when confronted with significant others.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Clycq Noel
• Fellow: Driezen Ariadne

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the call for proposals, questions are asked on the effectivity of Flemish water quality policy. Are we reaching the goals and do we do that by using the right means (instruments)? What about the goal-means ratio: do we work sufficiently efficient with our scarce resources? And behind these questions, there is a concern: how will we keep paying, in times of budgetary constraints, the (expensive) bill of water quality policy? This research project aims to make a first exploration of the effectivity of the government policy as implemented, by gathering existing information about policy effectiveness and interviewing experts (from the government and from academia). This first exploration is important as input for and in preparation of the societal debate that the Coordination Commission on Integrated Water Policy will organize in cooperation with the regional advisory councils in a later stage. We underline that this research, which is mainly based on expert judgement, will only provide a part of the answer to the effectiveness question. The research's ambition is explicitly not to make technical, quantitative analyses of policy's effectiveness. Instead, the ambition is to make a social-constructivist analysis in which qualitative analyses are made of Flemish water quality policy, based on arguments and considerations of experts and overarching reflections from the researchers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

'Urban System Coast' is a research by design project of possible transformations of the built environment in the Belgian coastal municipalities and neighbouring hinterland municipalities, to arrive at a robust urban system. The coastal area is a dynamics area with a lot of challenges.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand The Flemish Government. UA provides the Flemish government the research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Human biomonitoring, 'measuring environmental exposure and health effects in the human body', is a cornerstone in building scientific evidence for the Flemish environmental health policy. Since 2001, three large scale human biomonitoring studies (FLEHS I, II and III) were carried out in Flanders by the Center of Expertise on Environment and Health, commissioned by the Flemish government. This project, the 'phased plan for action', aims to develop a structured and participatory process to facilitate the uptake of HBM research findings by policy makers. This process focusses both on detailed analysis of research data as well as consultation and deliberation with stakeholders on environmental health risks in Flanders and the need for policy action. This project will focus on the results of the FLEHS study 2012-2015 (newborns, adolescents and elderly).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This exploratory research project contains two parts, both carried out using qualitative research methods. The first part consists of a bilingual study (using both semi-structured interviewing and an online Delphi-survey) of Belgian actors involved in external emergency planning for upper tier Seveso companies. This gap analysis is primarily aimed at the national level, all the while being sensitive to regional differences and the various needs of actors with operational/administrative functions. In part 2 we use a written questionnaire and telephone interviews to map ways of tackling these issues in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. The themes we depart from in both the national and interantional research are the development and use of the external plans themselves, training and exercises, the availability of resources and the way communication with the public is set up. We will formulate points of improvement, best practices and policy recommendations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Desmet Koen

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

For decades, policy makers and social organisations have been trying to improve people's life chances, social cohesion and the living environment through neighbourhood level interventions. One of the crucial assumptions here is the existence of neighbourhood effects. In this literature review we explain why researchers and policy makers see the neighbourhood as an important scale of intervention and analysis and survey the most important scientific insights in the literature on neighbourhood effects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

For the update of the energy poverty barometer, we use the most recent data of the EU SILC survey (Study on Income and Living Conditions). The calculation of the barometer is described in the following report: Delbeke, B., Holzhemer, L., Oosterlynck, S. en Meyer, S. (2014) Baromètre de la Précarité Energétique. Méthodologie et détails techniques. Antwerpen: UA-OASeS/Brussel: ULB-CEESE.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Dit wetenschappelijk onderzoeksnetwerk zal de interdisciplinaire en internationale dialoog over de meest adequate theoretische handvaten en methodologieën om nieuwe vormen van solidariteit in diversiteit te bestuderen stimuleren.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

CSI Flanders aims to map and survey the changing environment in which Flemish CSOs operate and to assess the impact this has on their relationships with governments and citizens, and on their internal organizational dynamics. It further aims to identify and analyze innovative practices of social service delivery and political work. The state of the art in the literature suggests that, as for the relationship between CSOs and the government is concerned, challenges come from the rise of managerialism, increasing instrumentalisation, decentralization and depoliticisation. As for the relationship between CSOs and the citizen, challenges come from consumerism, increasing diversity, individualization and depoliticisation, giving rise to the emblematic figures of 'the citizen as consumer' and 'the citizen as co-producer'. As for the internal operation of CSOs, CSOs are confronted with tendencies towards hybridization, pressures on their missions and calls for innovative organization and management.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand CAW Antwerpen. UA provides CAW Antwerpen research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to update the vision matrix of the Flemish city monitor by (1) asessing whether the format of a matrix is still the most adequate way of visualising a vision on liveable and sustainable cities; (2) assessing whether the intentions in the matrix are still in line the contemporary vision on liveable and sustainable cities; (3) identify new developments in cities that are not yet reflected in the vision matrix.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand DEMOS. UA provides DEMOS research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

While migration from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe is omni-present in the media with hundreds of migrants arriving weekly in ramshackle boats on Lampedusa, the presence of African migrants in European cities seems almost invisible. This research proposal aims at visualizing the 'invisible' spaces that are occupied by sub-Saharan African migrants in secondary or 'mid-sized cities' in Belgium. The focus is on the places that are inhabited or daily used by African migrants, such as the house, church or shop. Since African migrants mostly occupy existing buildings in the city, this research will show how they have transformed and appropriated these buildings. This will be done through a detailed study of the outside and inside of the buildings, in which attention will be given to both the physical aspects and the use of the buildings. To better understand how African migrants use and transform buildings in Belgian cities, we will also look at comparable practices in their countries of origin, but also in other European countries where they have families or economic contacts. This research will also show the location of the buildings in the city to see if the settlement patterns of sub-Saharan African migrants differ from more established immigrant groups, such as Turkish or Moroccan people. Finally, we will examine to what extent African migrants have, outside any government intervention, contributed to the renewal of the city, by occupying and upgrading dilapidated buildings.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The judicial welfare sector in Brussels serves 1600 inmates in three prison facilities. This research aims to analyze and strengthen the network of judicial service organizations in Brussels. We analyze the roles of social workers and the extent to which social workers experience tensions when collaborating in the network.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

HoNESt's goal is to conduct a three-year interdisciplinary analysis of the experience of nuclear developments and its relationship to contemporary society with the aim of improving the understanding of the dynamics over the last 60 years. HoNESt's results will assist the current debate on future energy sources and the transition to affordable, secure, and clean energy production.Civil society's interaction with nuclear developments changes over time, and it is locally, nationally and transnationally specific.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project aims to develop a generalist social work method in a specialist service organization. A qualitative action research is conducted in collaboration with two service organizations aimed towards the activation of vulnerable target groups.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

At the occasion of the international year of the evaluation, the Flemish Evaluation Platform (VEP) organizes a seminar on 17 December 2015 in which developments in policy evaluation during the last decade are being discussed. The VEP want to offer a reflection on what was, what is and what the future brings for policy evaluation. The office of MIRA, part of the Flemish Environment Agency and expert environment, nature and energy in the organizing committee of VEP, has been asked to (1) offer a presentation or working paper with a SWOT analysis for the environment, nature and energy policy domain, and (2) organize a parallel session during the seminar on the same topic. In that framework, the University of Antwerp is engaged for a research and advisory mission in which the following steps are foreseen: (1) interviewing a small number of key actors in the policy domain to identify the SWOT elements; (2) processing the results in a draft paper, for feedback to the key actors, and (3) a participatory set-up of the session on environmental policy on 17 December, with a presentation of the SWOT analysis results and one or two contributions 'from the field', followed by a panel debate on statements that aim to stimulate the improvement of the organization of environmental policy evaluation in Flanders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Modern2020 project aims at providing the means for developing and implementing an effective and efficient repository operational monitoring programme, taking into account the requirements of specific national programmes. The work allows advanced national radioactive waste disposal programmes to design monitoring systems suitable for deployment when repositories start operating in the next decade and supports less developed programmes and other stakeholders by illustrating how the national context can be taken into account in designing dedicated monitoring programmes tailored to their national needs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and the Flemish Public Authorities, responsible for environment & health (in general and in Gentse kanaalzone). UAntwerp elaborates a scientific base for a concept, procedure, guidance and evaluation during the interpretation of research results of the third large scale human biomonitoring campaign.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The UA-team coordinates the social scientific research activities within the consortium. In this stage of the study, there will be process guidance for a rational dialogue on a selection of 3xG human biomonitoring results to translate into policy (phased action plan) and for building a communication strategy for the group of participants in the study and the local community at large.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The research and assistance assignment 'economy of the future', executed by the University of Antwerp, is commissioned by The Shift, a platform that stimulates partnerships between its members and helps with co-creation of a more sustainable society and economy. The assignment builds on vision-developing work in 2015, under the auspices of ARGUS, the environmental think tank of KBC. The goal of this assignment is double. First and foremost, the report 'Economy of the future. Visions and opportunities for a sustainability transition' aims to contribute to envisioning how the sustainability transition will look like in the economic sphere. Because of the massive use of expert language on the economy of the future (circular economy, sharing economy, social innovation, next economy…), people seem to lose their orientation. Getting a sharp focus in the discussion on the vision we need for the economy of the future, is important for that reason. Secondly, the report aims to identify so-called 'wharfs': concrete ideas and starting points to stimulate multi-actor collaboration on the obstacles for the economy of the future. These 'wharfs' are situated in the domains of (1) awareness-raising, also within firms; (2) support for firms, e.g. via financing and liability arrangements, (3) spatial planning aspects of the economy of the future, e.g. via distribution and logistics in cities and (4) legal-fiscal barriers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It is well known that a lower socioeconomic status is related to underrepresentation in environmental health promotion while socioeconomically less favored groups are precisely more exposed and more susceptible to weaker environmental quality and bad housing conditions. This research project explores an innovative public health/community development strategy to overcome unequal participation in environmental health promotion. In cooperation with a professional organization for health promotion and prevention, a concrete case of community empowerment will be addressed, implemented and evaluated.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Port of Antwerp. UA provides the Port of Antwerp policy options to monitor and open up citizen involvement in its spatial and environmental management, including a sustainability indicator.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project analyzes how post-war migrants are conceived as citizens in urban settings. It compares four Belgian cities (Ghent, Antwerp, Liège, Charleroi) over two different time periods (1974-1993; 1993-2012). The first goal of the research is to shed light on the range of prevailing citizenship definitions. Do they conceive citizenship as a formal status, with substantive entitlements attached to it, or is citizenship more commonly conceived as a practice, which takes form through participation and identification with the urban community? And, does the construction of urban citizenship arise from a culturalist, socio-economic or securitized inspiration? Secondly, the research explores who is responsible for circulating citizenship definitions. Do urban politicians and migrant organizations set the tone, or are intermediate urban state agencies like public welfare centers and police forces the prevailing voices? And, to what extent do regional conceptions of citizenship influence urban debates and practices? The research innovatively brings together

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Fellow: Van Puymbroeck Nicolas

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project examines the social construction of moral and political responsibilities towards refugees. It thereby focusses on how different social actors, such as refugee organisations, policy makers and the media, compete with one another in defining and evaluating the claims of refugees.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Timmerman Christiane
• Fellow: Vandevoordt Robin

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand KBS. UA provides KBS research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and VITO. UA provides VITO research results of a literature study on the interplay of life style factors and socio-economic status in the case of environmental health issues.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Conducting research into the continuation of involvement and participation in the implementation and operational phase of the cAT-project. This research will be based in the literature on available frames and moddels, and take into account concerned actors' expectations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Paulussen Steve

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This is a fundamental research project financed by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). The project was subsidized after selection by the FWO-expert panel. The objective of the FWO's Research projects is to advance fundamental scientific research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This is a fundamental research project financed by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). The project was subsidized after selection by the FWO-expert panel. The objective of the FWO's Research projects is to advance fundamental scientific research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Federal Public Service. UA provides the Federal Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter
• Co-promoter: Raeymaeckers Peter

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall aim of the project is to make a highly significant, concrete contribution to the wellbeing of Belgian society through the realisation of cutting edge, internationally informed research and in doing so will contribute to the wider understanding of energy poverty in Europe and internationally by the development of ideas worked through in the Belgian context.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Elaboration of a project on the training and awareness of practitioners in the field of environmental medicine and environmental health. The project has been proposed with the support of the Mixed Interministerial Conference on Environment and Health (CIMES- GICLG) and the framework of the second National Environmental and Health Action Plan (NEHAP 2009-2013). The project, approved by the CIMES-GICLG, has been defined according to the action 10 of the EU action plan on environment and health (2004-2010) and the paragraph 18 of the WHO declaration at Budapest in 2004. The objectives and targets of the project aim to: - Provide recommendations for the (feasibility) implementation of environmental health in education for all medical professionals, including new students and already qualified professionals. - Provide recommendations about the need for tools or instruments to support medical professionals in their practice on environmental health/medicine. - Provide recommendations about the curriculum content at different levels of training, including nurses and mid-wives.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Schoeters Greta

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The central hypothesis of this project is that socio-economic, socio-demographic, ethnic and cultural diversity can positively affect social cohesion, economic performance and social mobility of individuals and groups. A better social cohesion, higher economic performance and increased chances for social mobility will make European cities more liveable and more competitive. In this period of long-term economic downturn (or sometimes even crisis) and increasing competition from countries elsewhere in the world (e.g. China, India), it is important to find out how and under which circumstances European's urban diversity can be turned into social and economic advantages.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we conduct research into possible ways to fulfill the local conditions regarding the continuation of stakeholder involvement and participation, linked to the implementation of the cAT-project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This programme aims to support authorities and other stakeholders in vulnerable urban agglomerations in Europe by designing appropriate and resilient Flood Risk Governance Arrangements (FRGAs). The programme's final goal will be to develop policy design principles for FRGAs and to derive implications for policies and law at the level of the EU, its member states, regional authorities, and public-private partnerships.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project analyzes how post-war migrants are conceived as citizens in urban settings. It compares four Belgian cities (Ghent, Antwerp, Liège, Charleroi) over two different time periods (1974-1993; 1993-2012). The first goal of the research is to shed light on the range of prevailing citizenship definitions. Do they conceive citizenship as a formal status, with substantive entitlements attached to it, or is citizenship more commonly conceived as a practice, which takes form through participation and identification with the urban community? And, does the construction of urban citizenship arise from a culturalist, socio-economic or securitized inspiration? Secondly, the research explores who is responsible for circulating citizenship definitions. Do urban politicians and migrant organizations set the tone, or are intermediate urban state agencies like public welfare centers and police forces the prevailing voices? And, to what extent do regional conceptions of citizenship influence urban debates and practices? The research innovatively brings together

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Fellow: Van Puymbroeck Nicolas

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research proposal seeks to investigate the social construction of moral status through the discursive use of cultural variables such as gender, age, faith, and ethnicity. It thus deals with core social processes such as social exclusion, as well as the cultural construction of moral meaning and status.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verschraegen Gert
• Co-promoter: Timmerman Christiane
• Fellow: Vandevoordt Robin

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between UA and on the other hand Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen (Port of Antwerp). UA provides Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen results of a qualitative survey that maps main types of hindrances and perceptions of inhabitants (of the quality of the environment and competenties) that live in the surroundings of the port's right and left bank industrial zones. The research will also define strategies to cope with concerns of residents and to strenghten citizen participation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Province of Antwerp. UA provides the Province of Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

UA's contribution to thisproject is one of scientific services, providing advies to the Dutch ECN with respect to its research project "End repository Network Geared towards Actor Groups involvement and Effective Decision making". The aim of this project is to contribute to the development of a framework for the development of a first 'safety case' for the final disposal of the Dutch radioactive waste. For this purpose, a stakeholder analysis is conducted and scenario's are developed for engaging stakeholders in the decision-making about repository implementation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research proposal takes as its starting points: (a) the long standstill in poverty reduction, especially for people of working age, (b) the complementarity between employment, economic growth and social inclusion that is focal in the EU 2020 strategy, and, (c) the emergence of socially innovative policies and actions in the margins of the European welfare states. It aims at the evaluation of the Lisbon decade in terms of policies and actions against poverty at European, national and sub-national level and at improving the understanding of the interrelationships between employment, social protection and social inclusion and between institutionalised macro level social policies and innovative local action.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Verschraegen Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the Flemish authorities, responsible for the Environment and Environmental Health. UA provides the Flemish authorities the achitecture and guidance of a procedure, that stepwise interprets and translates results of the second Flemish human biomonitorin campaing in a cooperation with all concerned parties.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Policy Research Centre studies Sustainable Materials Management (SuMMa) from a transition management perspective. Since SMM is a cornerstone of the future green economy, behavior in society should be shifted in a way that current material needs can be fulfilled without destabilizing the natural system nor mortgaging its future. The Policy Centre will investigate and foster the role that policy can and should play in this transition towards sustainable materials management. Within SuMMa, UA is responsible for the researchcluster "Systems analysis", which aims at identifying the underlying societal and political mechanisms that guide the transition process. In a first research line, attention is payed to the deliniation of the sustainable materials management system at the level of the Flemish region (What actors are at play? What is the role of the government in such a transition? ...). A second research line puts this analysis in a European and international context.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Meire Patrick
• Co-promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Centre of Expertise 2012-2015 is an inter-university consortium of research teams, specialized in environmental health. A broad spectrum of scholars cooperate in specific and long term research projects: toxicologists, physicians, epidemiologists and sociologists. This 3th generation center focusses on the (reference) human biomonitoring of three age groups at the one hand, representative for Flanders and the comparative human biomonitoring of hot spot areas on the other (Gentse Kanaalzone). The group of prof. Loots takes the lead for the science-policy nexus, risk communication and risk governance. Techniques are developed to open up the scientific research design and the group results for concerned parties and to encourage citizens and stakeholders to get involved (beyond study participation). Also social diversity and environmental justice are on the research agenda: not only in the data-analysis, also an additional recruitment strategy is experimented.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Schoeters Greta
• Co-promoter: van Sprundel Marc

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Erasmus Mundus. UA provides Erasmus Mundus research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. The dynamics of policy arrangements in the making of policies that reduce vulnerability in the South African region were studied. The case, the Southern African Development Community's Regional and National Vulnerability Assessment Committees, was used to create an institutional understanding of the transfer of knowledge tot policy processes:

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project investigates the conditions and essential steps to be taken in order for a policy plan or programme to be 'translated' into a concrete project in a realistic and efficient manner, and with the necessary support from society. Both process and content related aspects will be considered. First a theoretical framework will be developed to enable to answer among other the following questions: (a) To what extent and on which basis can be acknowledged if a specific policy plan has incorporated the most pertinent interests during its development and deliberation (during e.g. a public consultation)? (b) Did the plan take the most pertinent problems raised by de different concerned actors in account adequately? (c) According to which criteria should "pertinence" and "adequacy" be assessed? Second a cases study will be made of the "Radioactive Waste Plan" prepared by ONDRAF – NIRAS. The extent to which this plan (and the way it was developed) has succeeded in offering an answer to diverging expectations as regards the management of high-level wastes in Belgium will be assessed. For that purpose, an analysis will be made of how the plan was received by different societal actors. This will be done through an analysis of the submitted comments during the public consultation in 2010, and through a media analysis of the press coverage of this issue in the period 2009-2011. The research into the coming about of ONDRAF's 2010 "Waste Plan" and its public reception will be supplemented with a comparative analysis of recent similar decision-making trajectories around high-level wastes in France, Canada, Switzerland and the UK. On the basis of these analyses, lessons will be drawn and recommendations formulated on possibilities for further conceptualisation of a Belgian decision-making process in this matter.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. Insights in risk governance literatrure inspired the guidliness to provide a specfic summary of available scientific insights and consult experts and stakeholders in order to provide a socially robust evaluation of the available knowledge for environmental and health policy makers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Goorden Lieve

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand Vl. Min. Welzijn, Volksgezondheid & Gezin. UA provides Vl. Min. Welzijn, Volksgezondheid & Gezin research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand Flemish Government. UA provides Flemish Government research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Provincie Antwerpen. UA provides Provincie Antwerpen research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Provincie Antwerpen. UA provides Provincie Antwerpenresearch results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

INSOTEC aims at identifying the main socio-political challenges for implementing geological disposal and their interplay with technical challenges. It will furthermore provide the IGD-TP with concrete suggestions on how to address these entangled socio-technical challenges. The biggest challenge today lies in adapting the generic concept of geological disposal to the real world environment (both natural and social) in which it needs to be implemented and with which the whole of the waste management system will need to build and maintain a long-term sustainable relationship. Addressing this challenge will imply searching for for a strong and lasting connection between the technical and social aspects of managing radioactive waste.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Province of Antwerp. UA provides the Province of Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Kinderrechtencommissariaat. UA provides Kinderrechtencommissariaat research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the municipality Schilde. UA provides the municipality Schilde research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish public administrations, responsible for environment and health. Insights in risk governance literature inspired the guideliness to provide a specific summary of available scientific insights and consult experts and stakeholders in order to provide a socially robust evaluation of the available knowledge for environmental and health policy makers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Goorden Lieve

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand CISO. UA provides CISO research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand ECICV. UA provides ECICV results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This study examines how actors in a Flemish participatory Technology Assessment project (pTA) strategically negotiate the meaning of participation from often contending viewpoints, interests, and expectations, and what this implies for the theorization of participation in pTA, given its conventional presentation of participation as a cooperative and collective endeavor that is conducive to social learning and results in better and more legitimate policy outcomes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Goorden Lieve
• Fellow: Van Oudheusden Michiel

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In December 2009, the Flemish Environment Agency and particularly the team for state-of-the-environment reporting (the MIRA-team) published the report Environment Outlook 2030 (Milieuverkenning 2030). The Environment Outlook 2030 contains a description of the expected environmental development in case of both unchanged and alternative policy, according to a number of relevant scenarios. In this research project, the University of Antwerp investigates how this publication was received. The MIRA-team specifically wants to: (1) get a clear picture about how readers of the Environment Outlook 2030 evaluate the content, the process and the lay-out of the document, (2) investigate if the Environment Outlook 2030 offers useful input for environmental policies in Flanders and for strategic decision-making on the longer term, and (3) receive suggestions for a concept note that will be developed on a new edition of the Environment Outlook, to be published in 2013.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall objectives are to analyse and understand what future challenges different types of European cities will face and what approaches can be successful to tackle them. The overarching question is the role Cohesion Policy may and should play in this respect.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand Koning Boudewijnstichting. UA provides Koning Boudewijnstichting research results on "Welke Islam voor welk Europa?" under the conditions as stipulated in the present document.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VMM and builds on the former Evaluability Assessment of the Flemish policy on climate change adaptation. Given all the uncertainties, how does Flanders cope with the issue of climate adaptation ? Which bottle necks occur and what can facilitate further progress in policy making ?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand NIRAS on behalf of the local partnerships STORA and MONA and the municipality of Retie. Together with research teams of VITO (coördinator), PIH, VUB, UA will investigate (from a social science perspective) the feasibility, local conditions for and design of a long term human biomonitoring campaign to monitor environmental health in the region. Our team in particular goes into risk communication aspects, the science-policy nexus and the involvement of the local community.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main focus of the project is to describe and analyse the impact of the European meetings of people experiencing poverty during ten years. Another focus of the project is the improvement of participation models in public poverty policies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of the evaluation is to provide an assessment of the European Social Fund's support to the gender equality policy in the 27 Member States for the 2007-2013 programming period. In addition, this study will also make a tentative assessment, on the basis of the first monitoring and evaluation evidence, of the extent to which the objective of gender equality appears to be integrated in het ESF first implementation phase.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The central research question of this project goes as follows: How do the service networks of the local centres of the PCSW of Antwerp influence the way human services are provided. In this project we investigate the impact of the environment on the social worker's behaviour. The starting point of our project is that social workers have access to a certain amount of 'discretionary power'.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Welzijnszorg vzw. UA provides Welzijnszorg vzw research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The evaluability assessment aims to assess, in narrow collaboration with the SOER-team MIRA: - to encourage participants to take part in the evaluation; - to anticipate questions and concerns that might hinder the evaluation; - to establish guideliness to set up the evaluation. The assessment does not aim to evaluate the desirablity of a policy evaluation but to identify and set the conditions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Commissioned by the Social Inclusion Service of the federal government, OASeS / University of Antwerp will produce a policy book on poverty and social exclusion, with particular interest for federal competences. Topics to be included are social security, social protection, justice, family policy, disabled policy, finances. Each of these issues will be linked to the European level.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project makes an overview of all the administrative data the Public Centres on Social Welfare have to collect for to the regional and federal governments. The aim of the study is to detect the overlap in registration and data delivery. The research has to result in a lower administrative load for the PCSWs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research is a profound scientific research on welfare trajectories and the link between spatial characteristics and social services. The importance lays in optimizing social assistance and other forms of welfare provision in terms of efficacy and efficiency; the more implicit aim of this project is about improving conditions in spaces (cities, municipalities and neighbourhoods) with a high concentration of persons living in poverty (on social benefits). The scientific added value is to progress in our knowledge of the impact of spatial characteristics on the institutional setting within its boundaries.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand UNDP. UA provides UNDP research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research fits into a broader evaluation of river basin management planning in Flanders, Belgium. Financed by the Ministry of the Flemish Community, about 20 interviews are being held with important actors in integrated water policy. The attention is focused upon the process and the organization of the planning; suggestions for further planning are gathered.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The MoDeRn project aims at providing a reference framework for the development and possible implementation of monitoring activities and associated stakeholder engagement during relevant phases of the radioactive waste disposal process, i.e. during site characterisation, construction, operation and staged closure, as well as a post-closure institutional control phase. The project applies an interdisciplinary approach, involving both technical expertise and researchers from the social sciences. Through complementary and combined research efforts the project seeks to provide an understanding of monitoring activities and available technologies that can be implemented in a repository context; and to provide recommendations for related, future stakeholder engagement activities.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

To protect the health of populations and individuals, policies need to integrate environmental and health issues. The aim of HENVINET is to support such informed policy making. HENVINET will review, exploit and disseminate knowledge on environmental health issues based on research and practices, for wider use by relevant stakeholders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Keune Hans

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this contribution the authors explain how a complexity approach is helpful to the field of environment and health research and how social science can make a relevant contribution. The approach is characterized by modesty, respect and transparency with regard to complexity of reality, and openness to different relevant forms of knowledge and opinion. The approach will not make work easier in all respects. But it will enhance the quality by respecting the complexity of real world problems. Two cases of complexity in relation to environment and health are discussed in order to illustrate what complexity is and how we may deal with complexity. Climate change is discussed by focussing on the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and examples of practical experience as social scientists in the Centre of expertise for Environment and Health in Flanders (Belgium) are introduced.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Keune Hans

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, the Public Centres of Social Welfare in Belgium are examined in their services towards homelessness.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project intends to stimulate companies to make their products and production processes more sustainable by applying well-considered materials and materials technology. in order to realise this objective, the project consortium takes four steps. First, it investigates which incentives and impediments influence the use of innovative materials technologies. We look for and describe various concrete examples. Companies willing to testify of their experiences are interviewed and asked to fill in a small questionnaire. Lessons drawn from interviews and questionnaires are communicated to a wide audience. In case the companies concerned agree, they will present their cases to other companies in order to inspire them: to look for their own opportunities to organise their production processes and design their products in more sustainable ways via the implementation of suitable materials and materials technologies. In a third phase, interested companies are guided to discern opportunities for sustainable materials innovation with the help of an opportunity scan. Development and application of this scan is one objective of the project. In the following and final stage the project consortium will discuss, together with interested companies, opportunities for sustainable innovation and work out an implementation trajectory. The consortium will pay equal attention to the three dimensions of sustainable development: planet, people, and profit. In short, 1) by focussing a) on the meaning that companies themselves assign to the concept of sustainable development and b) on reasons and considerations of companies to use specific materals and technologies, and 2) by concentrating on knowledge diffusion towards and between companies, we will engage with the production industry in Flanders in order to contribute to sustainable development.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Promoter: Verbruggen Aviel
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Deblonde Marian
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Engineering Management

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The study will focus on the trajectories of people who are activated by Belgian Public Centers of Public Welfare. Quantitative and qualitative research methods will be used. The analysis is based on the Datawarehouse Labour Market and Social Protection and original data collection.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This study examines how actors in a Flemish participatory Technology Assessment project (pTA) strategically negotiate the meaning of participation from often contending viewpoints, interests, and expectations, and what this implies for the theorization of participation in pTA, given its conventional presentation of participation as a cooperative and collective endeavor that is conducive to social learning and results in better and more legitimate policy outcomes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Fellow: Van Oudheusden Michiel

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The result we expect: -to increase knowledge about urban forms of increasing social exclusion and decreasing social cohesion in a context of retreating welfare states; -to uncover the more prominent roel of FBOs in combating poverty and exclusion in cities and in Europe; -to identify a European dimension of the position of FBOs in relation to povery and exclusion in cities, bearing in mind dynamic relations between national and local diversity and common European characteristics; and -to construct a common framework for the analysis and evaluation of the policy and governance implications of FBOs, aiming to augment their European characteristics.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this research project 50 social workers are interviewed about their experiences in helping poor migrant families. We analyse the needs of those professionals in their social work practices and we search for best practices of the interculturalisation in social work.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goals of the research question are as follows: - intelligibly collecting and arranging data on the (a-)synchronicity between the fourth Kondratieff long-term economic cycle and the investment patterns in urban planning in Amsterdam en Antwerp, - to demonstrate through these instrumental cases how en why that these investment patterns can fundamentally influence a city's attractiveness to its inhabitants (in particular, to the creative class as defined by R. Florida).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc
• Co-principal investigator: Keignaert Koenraad
• Co-principal investigator: Lombaerde Piet

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Chapter on the institutionalisation of Flemish environmental policy: case green planning (Course material for Open University, the Netherlands)

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Leroy Pieter

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dierckx Danielle
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This is a fundamental research project financed by the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO). The project was subsidized after selection by the FWO-expert panel.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The 2007-2011 program is a continuation of the 2001-2006 program: Social scientific research and guidance within the inter-university Flemish centre of Expertise on Environment and Health, especially in the human biomonitoring, including risk communication and the Action Plan (models of participation and social involvement in scientifc research and policy interpretation). New topics are the consultation procedures for the selection of Flemish hot spots for human biomonitoring (put into practice in the regions of Menen and Genk-Zuid) and the research on social inequalities within the field of environment and health.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Goorden Lieve

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-principal investigator: Driesen Geert
• Fellow: Kesteloot Karen

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Fellow: Dewilde Caroline

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research will explore how the Belgian press represents 'poverty' and 'the poor'. Which differences and evolutions in the representation of poverty do we identify? Do the media ¿ implicitly or explicitly ¿ blame the poor themselves for their situation or do they blame society in general? A quantitative and qualitative content analysis will be applied on articles about poverty of four Dutch- and four French-language newspapers from 1985 till 2005.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research reveals to us that social change is occuring in Muslim communities in relation to the position of women. In debates on transnational religion and migration, the emphasis has thus far always been on male migrants who are active in religious and political movements. The present research project focuses on women and their role in the development of new relationships within Sunni Islamic orthodoxy, a topic that is also relevant to the shaping of opinions on Islam.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane
• Co-promoter: Spee Sonja

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project pays attention to the implementation of pilot initiatives concerning 'Joint Rent Tribunals' in Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Based on the Panel Survey of Belgian Households and the Belgian Health Interview Survey 2001 we looked into the prevalence and etiology of depression from a multidimensional poverty perspective. We found that the link between depression and poverty depended on the form of the poverty experience. We also found that poverty is depressing when it is experienced as an acute life event, a chronic stressor, but also as a passed experience. Depression in itself increases the risk of becoming poor and blocks the exit out of poverty. In the link between poverty and depression, relative deprivation plays a major role.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Fellow: Levecque Katia

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Subtask 1: Offering ONDRAF-NIRAS guidance and recommendations through the preparation and setting up of a stakeholder involvement apporach for the longterm management of long-lived and high level radioactive waste. The focus will be on the elobaration of proposals for making a participatory process of this kind tangible and to suggest ways of putting this into practice. This will be done in close collaboration with the parties concerned. Subtask 2: Research and coordination regarding the CARL project, an international and comparative social science research project into the effects of stakeholder involvement in decision-making in radwaste management. In a first phase this implies the elaboration of a Belgian country report, outlining the current state of affairs in this matter. In a second phase an in depth comparative study of a set of key questions ¿ still to be delineated ¿ across the participating countries (Belgium, Canada, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK) will also be carried out.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Promoter: Van Hove Erik
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Van Hove Erik

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Spee Sonja

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Leroy Pieter

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Spee Sonja

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Pauwels Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Belgium houses a large migrant community. Although they settled themselves permanently in Belgium, a lot of migrants still tend to marry with someone from their homelands. This marriage migration is one of the only legal means of obtaining a legitimate residence permit. This makes it the most important migration channel into Belgium. Linking a marriage to migration is nevertheless not an obvious process. The newly wed couple is often confronted with relational and other problems. This reseach is assembling the existing literature on the subject. It also lists the international research institutions in the homelands of the migrants who are doing research on this subject. Also, the research analyses data assembled at the Moroccan consulat in Belgium concenring marriga migration.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On the base of formal and informal policy documents and by interviews with keypersons, the Belgian anti-poverty policy of the latest thirty years will be reconstructed. We'll focus on the role of different actors (public, semi-public and private) in policymaking, especially on the participation of the target groups ('the poor'): Are they able to influence anti-poverty policy? Wich are the key-succesfactors? Is it necessary to develop new models of participation?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Fellow: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hove Erik
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

At the request of the five Flemish provincial authorities, an annual housing file is made for all municipalities. Each file contains a statistical and a qualitative housing slip. This project is meant to result in an objective problem identification as regards the municipal housing situation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In recent years, both in social science and social policy circles, a consensus has grown on the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. This multi-dimensionality has two faces. On the one hand, poverty can manifest itself on one or more life domains. On the other hand, panel data point at the dynamic nature of poverty: most people who are `poor' at one moment in time are poor only for a short period in their life. The first part of this research project aims to evaluate the possibility of constructing a multi-aspectual poverty-index for the EU-countries, using the European Community Household Panel. Unlike existing research, we will use simultaneous latent class analysis, a log linear technique which is excellently suited for the analysis of categorical data, of which most social indicators are an example.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Dewilde Caroline

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make an inventory of visiting material on poverty and social exclusion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project is a further elaboration and continuation of the project P105/P00527.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc
• Co-promoter: Cantillon Bea

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Fellow: De Keulenaer Femke

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Timmerman Christiane

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The link between poverty and depression has been studied before, but almost exclusively from a static perspective on poverty: poverty as a long term or even permanent reality which is concentrated within the margin of society. This traditional poverty picture is now being challenged by research within a new, dynamic paradigm: poverty is found to be very dynamic, it manifests itself with very different frequency and duration and as a short term experience it reaches well into the middle class. Our main research question is whether this new poverty picture is also applicable to Belgium and what role depressive disorders play in these dynamic processes. After testing the social selection-thesis we ask the following questions:

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On the base of formal and informal policy documents and by interviews with keypersons, the Belgian anti-poverty policy of the latest thirty years will be reconstructed. We'll focus on the role of different actors (public, semi-public and private) in policymaking, especially on the participation of the target groups ('the poor'): Are they able to influence anti-poverty policy? Wich are the key-succesfactors? Is it necessary to develop new models of participation?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Fellow: Dierckx Danielle

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

To establish a system of indicators to establish and assess the societal basis for the conservation of nature in Flanders To develop a framework for the evaluation of nature conservation policy, particularly the creation and maintenance of its societal basis

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Leroy Pieter
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Luc

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

See continuation in the Centre of Expertise for Environment and Health 2007-2011 (project id 21603)

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main specific objective of the initiative is to provide scientific research input and support for the equal opportunities policy development and implementation of the Flemish government by developing multidisciplinary expertise and research potential in the area of equal opportunities policy in Flanders in a more integrated way. Another specific objective is to create a documentation and information centre and a contact point which serves a wide circle of direct and indirect beneficiaries in the field of equal opportunities policy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Breda Jef
• Co-promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Cuypers Daniël
• Co-promoter: Tanghe Fernand

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Scientific and policy oriented research within the environmental policy domain Valorisation of expertise Forge the critical mass necessary to build a centre of expertise Education of junior researchers in this field

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Leroy Pieter
• Co-promoter: Bursens Peter
• Co-promoter: Loots Ilse
• Co-promoter: Sys Monique
• Co-promoter: Walgrave Stefaan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Society and Environment

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this research project we intend to discover the extent to which Islamism is a determining factor in the life of students of Moroccan and Turkish descent at Flemish universities and to what extend Islamism can be explained as a middleclass phenomenon that occurs in time of rapid social changes. We shall concretise the significance of this worldview by establishing how it is reflected in the social network both at a national and international level. We wil also focus our attention on four faith (and social) communities around the so-called fundamentalist mosques and evaluate how this is integrated in the social world. //..We shall pay special attention to differences between significance of Islam to boys and girls, and how this is determined by their country of origin. We shall set out to find answers to research questions by means of extensive field research based on the method of participant observation and network analysis. The field research will be underpinned with a theoretical, in-depth exploration of the issue at hand. To this, we shall make use of theories concerning Islam, social networks, ethnonationalism and migration.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

- Safeguard the operation of the local partnerships in the municipalities of Dessel and Mol. Support these organisations in their tasks. - Offering ONDRAF-NIRAS social scientific guidance for putting its work programme into practice, more specifically concerning: (a) how to implement the participatory process in the project phase (b) how to fulfil the local conditions concerning the continuation of involvement and participation (c) planning future phases in the process. - A permanent evaluation of the participatory process in the light of available theory, frames and models, as well as international experience.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Loots Ilse
• Promoter: Van Hove Erik
• Co-promoter: Bergmans Anne
• Co-promoter: Van Hove Erik

Research team(s)

• Society and Environment
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The enlargement of the conceptual frame of poverty on the one hand, and a longitudinal and comparative design on the other hand, will lead to an innovative analysis of the European Community Household Panel.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Dewilde Caroline

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change

Project type(s)

• Research Project