The uneven impact of recession on cities and households: Bristol and Liverpool compared

This project will explore the impact of the economic recession on cities and households through a systematic comparison of the experiences of two English cities, Bristol and Liverpool. The research is being undertaken in collaboration with Professor Richard Meegan and Dr Gerwyn Jones at the European Institute for Urban Affairs, Liverpool John Moores University and will last 20 months, starting in June 2011.

The research will use both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Interviews will be held in both cities with key stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary and community sectors. A social survey of 1000 households will also be conducted in the two cities covering 10 specific household types. A series of in-depth qualitative interviews will then be held with households drawn from the survey and chosen to illustrate the spectrum of experience.

In the context of globalization and the rescaling of cities and states, the research aims to develop our understanding of the relationship between economic crisis, global connectivity and the international and transnational processes shaping cities and the everyday lives of residents. It will explore the 'capillary-like' impact of the crisis and austerity measures on local economic development, and local labour and housing markets, as well as highlight the intersecting realities of everyday life for households across the life course, in different tenures and in different parts of cities.

In terms of policy, the research will attempt to document the variety of responses and coping strategies developed across different household types and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of 'anti-recession' strategies and policies.