Index
About the Centre for Applied Social Research
CASR conducts nationally significant research on key areas of social change and social policy. We are committed to the idea that effective and equitable policy choices need to be founded upon insightful public debate and that debate requires historically and theoretically informed applied social research. Research staff in CASR have a broad range of interests, but our work converges around four themes.
Employment and workplace relations
One group of researchers have particular expertise in the changing character of paid work and employment relations and related policy issues. The main strands of their research focus on the quality of part-time work; work and family balance in regional areas; gender equality in employment; casual and precarious work; the intersection of work and family and the impact of employment regulation, including anti-discrimination law. The research conducted in these areas is also concerned with uncovering and mapping the connections that link the worlds of paid work and welfare.
Social welfare provision and policy
Another group of colleagues in CASR focus on various disadvantaged groups, the changing nature of welfare provision and related policy issues. These researchers have particular expertise in: the enumeration of the homeless population; pathways to and from homelessness; issues related to domestic violence and related policy responses; the life histories of people who grew up in institutional care; and the history of the women’s refuge movement. They also carry out research focusing on issues related to illicit drugs use, illegal sex workers and related health issues.
Public sector evaluation
A third group of researchers works across disciplines on practice-informed evidence-based policy and practice in health and well-being. Projects focus on both developing and applying evidence about complicated and complex interventions. Processes and methods include program theory, systems theory, action research, narrative and developmental evaluation, non-experimental impact evaluation, performance indicators, realist synthesis, knowledge translation and communities of practice. Their research is undertaken with government and non-government organisations that address public health, health promotion, occupational health and safety, international development, family and community services, community development, natural resource management and housing.
Disability
The fourth area of capability is disability. Our expertise lies around contemporary social policies and practices, in particular human rights and individual funding. Researchers have experience of major policy reform and measuring outcomes of new initiatives. They have been involved in innovative research and evaluation directly affecting the structure and delivery of services and best practice in professional services.
Contact us
Tel. +61 3 9925 5067
Email: casr@rmit.edu.au