Professor of Political Sociology

MA (SUNY Buffalo), MA (Harvard),  PhD (Harvard), Jean Monnet Fellowship - European University Institute

Room: Attenborough Tower 502

Tel: +44 (0)11-6252-5359 (direct line)
Email: cr145@le.ac.uk

Research interests

I am interested in changes in modes of political participation and in their related theoretical aspects. My research focuses particularly on the interaction between civil society organizations, social movement organizations and decision-making, particularly at EU level, and on the related implications for democracy.

A second area of research is on ethno-nationalism and populism. I am working on ‘uncivil society’ organizations – such as xenophobic groups and networks.

In general, I am interested in the process of institutionalisation of new social movements – particularly environmental, anti-racist and regionalist movements, and I am studying their impact on the policy process, both in a comparative perspective and with reference to processes of Europeanization and governance. In this context, I am also examining the impact of environmentalist associations on rural policy.

Supervision interests

I am able to supervise doctoral students across the wide range of research which falls under the umbrella of political sociology and of social movements. My particular interest lies in old and new forms of political participation such as new social movements, the role of the internet in political mobilisation, no-global movements, the advocacy role of associations and civil society organizations. I am also interested in movement-parties such as green movements and small ethno-nationalist movements. I am able to supervise dissertations focussing at local-level, national and supra-national level - including the EU level. A related area in which I am able to supervise doctoral students is on ethno-nationalism and populism. I am also working on '‘uncivil society’ organizations – such as xenophobic groups and networks.

My research is both empirical (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and theoretical. (I have a particular interest in theories of political representation and the role of associations, particularly ethnic and migrant associations.) I would be pleased to supervise students undertaking work outside of the UK.

External profile

Recent editorial activities

• Sociology (Editorial Board 2011-)
• Sociology Compass (Editorial Board 2008-)
• Foedus (Editorial board 2003-)
• Critical Discourse Studies (International Advisory Board 2003-)
• Partecipazione e Conflitto (Scientific Committee 2007-)

Professional associations (selected)

• Coordinator: Political Sociology Research Network, ESA. [For additional information see my personal website.]

Current research grants

2011 Arts and Humanities Research Council, 'New 'Connectivities': Civil Society, the 'Third Sector' and Dilemmas for Socially and Economically Sustainable Healthcare Delivery', Ming Lim, Ellen Annandale and Carlo Ruzza (University of Leicester).

Current teaching

• SY7007: Knowledge and Method 2
• SY7018: Issues in Contemporary Sociology

Current administrative responsibilities

• Head of Department
• Director (MA in Civil Society) [Campus]

Full listing of Publications