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Centre for Social Justice Research

Research

The Centre for Social Justice Research is concerned with fairness and equity in society, exploring major issues such as poverty, exclusion, health inequalities and human rights.

We collaborate with a wide range of individuals and organisations, conducting research that will have a positive impact at local, national and international levels.

Our research staff have varied interests and expertise in areas such as social epidemiology, sociology, public health, social policy, social work, psychology, historical archaeology, management, health economics and statistics. Find out about some of the key people in the Centre for Social Justice Research.

This allows us to pursue a contemporary research agenda that has social justice in the developed and developing world at its heart and which can be used to influence policy and practice in this important area.

Man alone in an office at night Man with head in hands Coloured hand prints on a wall Elderley Asian Woman

Social Justice Research Themes

Our research themes can be broadly defined as follows:

Social and Health Inequalities

The social conditions in which people live have a major impact on the quality of the health and social care provision they receive, their opportunities in life and, ultimately, on the quality of their lives. Based on the World Health Organisation’s agenda of “closing the inequalities gap in a generation” this far reaching theme focuses on three key policy objectives:

  • Delivering equity from the start
  • Promoting universal access to health and social care
  • Understanding and tackling social exclusion

Community and Professional Engagement

This research theme seeks to promote social justice by researching areas such as oppression, disadvantage and human rights. A community, in its broadest sense, can refer to people in geographical area as well as those brought together by a common identity (for example, BME people) or by life events (children who have been abused).

To compliment this, research in this theme also explores the work of professionals and how their training, pedagogical underpinning and work practices focus on meaningful engagement and challenge oppression.

Social, Psychological and Public Health Interventions

This research theme brings together a range of disciplines including pscychology, public health, social work, counselling, psychotherapy and social policy. The theme aims to make a positive difference to people’s psychological and physical health and to develop techniques and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in communities and organisations.

Research is focussed around three main areas of interest:

  • Advocacy and therapies
  • Improving health and well being
  • Psychological capabilities

Social Justice Research for everyone

Our underlying philosophy is an inclusive approach to research conducted to the highest ethical standards. All staff across the School can have an impact on research in these areas and we welcome collaborations from individuals and organisations at both national and global levels.

Research Results

In the 2008 RAE, the School submitted over 20 staff to two units of submission: social work and social policy and nursing and midwifery, of which 90% of the assessed research was deemed internationally recognisable.

Studying for an MPhil or PhD

We provide a stimulating and exciting environment for research, close to the heart of one of the liveliest cities in the world, Manchester.

Find out more about studying for a Research Degree.

Engage with us

If you would like further information about our research activities or wish to collaborate with us then contact:

"There is increasingly popular support for better health equity and an end to exclusion; for health services that are centred on people’s needs and expectations; for health security for the communities in which they live; and for a say in what affects their health and that of their communities."
The World Health Report 2008