Professor David Robinson

Department of Urban Studies and Planning

Professor

Professor of Housing and Urban Studies

david.robinson@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 7947

Full contact details

Professor David Robinson
Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Room C6
Geography and Planning Building
Winter Street
Sheffield
S3 7ND
Profile

I joined into the Department in 2019 having previously served as Head of Geography. My interest in the fields of urban studies and housing first emerged during my undergraduate degree in geography at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and was subsequently pursued through a PhD at the University of Edinburgh.

Following a post-doctoral research position at Loughborough University I moved to the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University. I served as Director of Centre prior to moving to the University of Sheffield in 2016.

I am a member of the management board of the Housing Studies journal and a trustee of the Housing Studies Charitable Trust. I have served as Managing Editor of the Housing Studies journal and was a founding editor of People, Place and Policy Online. I am a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Research interests

My research practice is situated at the interface of planning, geography and social policy and focuses on exposing and understanding contemporary challenges in urban society and critically analysing the responses of policy and practice.

Much of my career has been spent at the interface of knowledge and action. My work is dominated by an interest in questions of how inequality arises, the associated burdens and benefits, and issues of social justice.

Housing

Decent, secure housing provides more than just a roof over someone’s head. It is a place of safety and security. It can promote health and well-being and inform life chances.

My work has sought to expose and understand inequalities in access to these benefits within the UK housing system; related processes of urban transformation; and associated consequences for people and places.

Particular areas of interest include the politics and provision of social housing; discrimination in the housing system; and hidden and neglected experiences of particular groups.

The Politics of Community

This stream of work has focused on the new politics of community that has gained ascendency within public policy making.

The focus has been on exploring and critiquing the processes through which particular places are increasingly portrayed as spatial containers of social failure, allowing social problems to be localised and thrown back at places to resolve themselves through the reinvigoration of community.

It has included analysis of the shift in policy from tackling inequality and disadvantage toward correcting the behaviour of social groups / communities seen as deviant. A key concern within this strand of work has been on the community cohesion agenda.

More recently, I have explored the application of resilience thinking to the social world, focusing on the concept of community resilience.

New Migration

Since the 1990s, the flows of people between different locations across the globe have become larger in volume, more varied in form, and increasingly complex in nature as a result of various transformations in political, economic, and social structures.

In the UK, these global trends have been manifest in a marked rise in the arrival of foreign nationals from a wide range of countries of origin, who have moved through a diversity of migration channels and been allocated different legal statuses.

A new geography of settlement has emerged, with many new migrants moving beyond the locations that traditionally served as reception points for new arrivals into the UK, and settling in locations with little history of accommodating diversity and difference.

The result is a situation of increasing social and demographic complexity that surpasses anything previously experienced in the UK.

My research has sought to explore and understand this complexity and associated experiences and consequences for new arrivals and settled populations.

A key feature of my contribution has been the insertion of an appreciation of place into analysis of migrant experiences, community relations and processes of integration.


Current and Recent Research Projects

Publications

Edited books

  • (Ed.) (2008) Community cohesion in crisis?: New dimensions of diversity and difference.. RIS download Bibtex download

Journal articles

Chapters

  • Powell R & Robinson D (2019) Housing, Ethnicity and Advanced Marginality in England, Class, Ethnicity and State in the Polarized Metropolis (pp. 187-212). Springer International Publishing RIS download Bibtex download
  • Powell R & Robinson D (2019) Housing, Ethnicity and Advanced Marginality in England, Class, Ethnicity and State in the Polarized Metropolis: Putting Wacquant to Work (pp. 187-212). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2014) Housing: Rescaling and Re-placing In Anderson B & Keith M (Ed.), Migration: A COMPAS Anthology Oxford: University of Oxford. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2012) Hidden Homelessness, International Encyclopedia of Housing and Home (pp. 368-370). Elsevier RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2008) Social housing and worklessness In Fitzpatrick S & Stephens M (Ed.), The Future of Social Housing (pp. 103-116). London: Shelter. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2008) Living Parallel Lives? Housing, Residential Segregation and Community Cohesion in England, Neighbourhood Renewal & Housing Markets: Community Engagement in the US & UK (pp. 163-185). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Flint J & Robinson D (2008) Conclusions, Community Cohesion in Crisis?: New Dimensions of Diversity and Difference (pp. 259-266). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2008) Community cohesion and the politics of communitarianism, Community Cohesion in Crisis?: New Dimensions of Diversity and Difference (pp. 15-33). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2006) The hidden and neglected experiences of homelessness in rural England, International Perspectives on Rural Homelessness (pp. 97-120). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2002) Discrimination and exclusion in the allocation of social housing In Somerville P & Steele A (Ed.), 'Race', Housing and Social Exclusion RIS download Bibtex download
  • Cole I, Slocombe L & Robinson D (2002) Housing, planning and economic development in the English regions: strategy co-ordination or confusion? In Wilcox S (Ed.), UK Housing Review 2002/2003 RIS download Bibtex download

Book reviews

  • Robinson D (2016) Social policies and social control. New perspectives on the ‘Not-so-big Society’. Housing Studies, 30(7), 1185-1188. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2013) Promoting Social Cohesion: Implications for Policy and Evaluation. International Journal of Sociology Reviews, 28(5), 552-555. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2012) Understanding community: politics, policy and practice. International Journal of Hosin Reesearch, 12(3), 381-382. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2012) Polish Families and Migration since EU Accession. Housing Studies, 27(4), 555-556. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2008) National policy responses to urban challenges in Europe. European Journal of Housing Policy, 8(3), 334-335. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2008) Cosmopolitan urbanism. Urban Studies, 45(1), 233-234. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2006) Urban regeneration, community power and the (in)significance of 'race',. Urban Studies, 43(3), 707-709. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2002) Two Steps Forward. Housing Policy into the New Millennium. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 23(3), 379-383. RIS download Bibtex download

Reports

  • Robinson D, Preece J & Robbins G (2022) Race equality in housing: a review of the policy approach in England, Scotland and Wales RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Preece J, Young G & Gibb K (2021) Past, present and future: Housing policy and poor-quality homes RIS download Bibtex download
  • Preece J, Bimpson E, Robinson D, McKee K & Flint J (2020) FORMS AND MECHANISMS OF EXCLUSION IN CONTEMPORARY HOUSING SYSTEMS: A SCOPING STUDY View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Archer T, Green S, Wilson I, Leather D, McCarthy L & Tait M (2018) Older People's Housing, Care and Support Needs in Greater Cambridge, 2017-2036 RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Batty E, Green S, McCarthy L, Foden M & Wilson I (2017) Evaluation of Extra Care Housing in Wales RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Platts-Fowler D, Batty E, Crisp R & Green S (2016) Whole Household Key Worker Interventions: Learning from Sheffield RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Pattison B & Wilson I (2015) The Economic Impact of Social Housing Organisations in Northern Ireland RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Green S, Reeve K, Sanderson E & Wilson I (2015) Direct Payment of Housing Benefit: Are Social Landlords Ready? RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Eadson W, Green S, Reeve K & Wilson I (2015) Houses into Homes: Final Evaluation Report RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & green S (2015) The Housing Options of Older People in Doncaster RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Bashir N, Parr S & Platts-Fowler D (2013) Measuring Community Cohesion RIS download Bibtex download
  • Reeve K, Platts-Fowler D, Green S, Batty E, Bashir N & Robinson D (2013) An Evaluation of Getting on Together: The Community Cohesion Strategy for Wales RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Platts-Fowler D (2013) Neighbourhood Resilience in Sheffield: Getting by in Hard Times RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Paltts-Fowler D (2011) An Evaluation of the Gateway Protection Programme RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Bashir N, Crisp R, Gore T & Reeve K (2011) Families and Work: Revisiting Barriers to Employment RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Eadson W, Platts-Fowler D & Walshaw A (2011) Community Mapping and Tension Monitoring RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Bashir N, Batty E, Cole I, Crisp R, Flint J, Green S & Hickman P (2011) Living Through Change in Challenging Neighbourhoods: Thematic Analysis RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Foden M, Cole I & Wilson I (2010) Interventions in housing and the physical environment in deprived neighbourhoods RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Demack S, Platts-Fowler D, Stevens A & Wilson I (2010) Young People and Community Cohesion: Analysis from the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Reeve K, Bashir N & Eisenstein E (2010) The Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP) 2008: a process and impact assessment RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Cole I, Crisp R & Batty E (2009) Work and worklessness in deprived neighbourhoods. Policy assumptions and personal experiences RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Pearce S (2009) Housing Market Renewal and Community Cohesion RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Fletcher D, Gore T & Reeve K (2008) Social housing and worklessness: Qualitative research findings RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Fletcher D, Reeve K & Gore T (2008) Social housing and worklessness: Key policy messages RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Reeve K, Casey R & Goudie R (2007) Minority Ethnic Residential Experiences and Requirements in the Bridging NewcastleGateshead Area RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Leather P, Cole I, Ferrari E, Flint J, Simpson C & Hopley M (2007) National Evaluation of the HMR Pathfinder Programme, Baseline Report RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Casey R & Reeve K (2007) The Housing Pathways of New Immigrants RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Hickman P, Casey R, Green S & Powell R (2007) Understanding Housing Demand. Learning From Rising Markets In Yorkshire And The Humber RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Cole I, Champion T, Reeve K, Bennington J, Coward S, Goudie R & Hickman P (2006) A Review Of The Evidence Base On Frequent Moving Among Disadvantaged Groups RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Reeve K (2006) Neighbourhood Experiences of New Immigration. Reflections on the Evidence Base RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Coward S, Fordham T, Green S & Reeve K (2004) How Housing Management Can Contribute to Community Cohesion RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Green S (2004) Housing and Community Cohesion: The Contribution of NDC Pathfinders RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2003) Hidden Homelessness in Rural England: Homeless People Staying with Family and Friends RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Coward S (2003) Your Place, Not Mine: Homeless People Staying with Family and Friends RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Cole I (2003) Somali Housing Experiences in England RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Reeve K (2002) Homelessness and Rough Sleeping in North Lincolnshire RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Iqbal B & Harrison M (2002) A Question of Investment: From Funding Bids to BME Housing Opportunities RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Hawtin M (2002) Preventing Homelessness: The Role of Housing Management RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2002) Estimating Homelessness in Rural Areas: A Step-By-Step Guide and Sourcebook of Information and Ideas RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Cole I & Slocombe L (2001) Housing in the English Regions: A Review and Evaluation of Regional Housing Statements RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Blandy S, Cole I & Hunter C (2001) Leasehold Valuation Tribunals: Extending the Remit RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Cole I & Kane S (2000) Changing Demand, Changing Neighbourhoods: The Response of Social Landlords RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Gidley G (1999) Housing Black and Minority Ethnic People in Sheffield RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Cole I, Gidley G & Smith Y (1998) The Impact of Leasehold Reform: Flat Dwellers’ Experiences of Leasehold Enfranchisement and Lease Renewal RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Alcock P, Craig G, Lawless P & Pearson S (1998) Inclusive Regeneration: Local Authorities’ Corporate Strategies for Tackling Disadvantage RIS download Bibtex download

Working papers

  • Robinson D (2016) The Time-Space Biographies of Daily Life in Six Deprived Neighbourhoods. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Pemberton S & Phillimore J (2014) Causes and experiences of poverty among economic migrants in the UK. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Walshaw A (2012) New Migration, Neighbourhood Effects and Community Relations. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2010) Families, Friends and Neighbours: Social Relations and Support in Six Low Income Neighbourhoods. RIS download Bibtex download

Dictionary/encyclopaedia entries

Research group

PhD supervision

I am Secondary Supervisor for the following research students:

  • Ingun Borg, Impact of welfare reform on low-income families' employment strategies: the case of Universal Credit in-work progression
  • Helen Brown, Housing and ageing
  • Bruce Moore, The Social Construction of Sheltered Housing: Considering the attitudes and expectations of older people living in social rented ‘retirement’ and affordable ‘extra care’ housing in England
  • Itzel San Roman Pineda, The Impact of the Tourism Industry on inequality in Southeast Mexico
Teaching activities

My approach to teaching is rooted in a commitment to promoting positive change within society by bringing expertise and knowledge to bear on contemporary challenges facing public policy, whilst simultaneously engaging in philosophising about the way things are and might be.

My teaching contributions centre on contemporary housing issues and challenges, including the problems that particular groups encounter negotiating a satisfactory residential settlement within the contemporary housing system.

I teach on the following modules:

  • GEO383, Urban Transformations
  • TRP6404, Postgraduate Research Methods