What are we researching?
The aim of the study is to identify which social networks, organisations and initiatives exist in Rotterdam-South. What does the focus and specific location of these initiatives tell us about local differences within Rotterdam-South, and the distribution of researchers' and policymakers' interest in these initiatives in the area? This pilot is part of Resilient Delta Initiative's SPRING project.
How does our research make an impact?
The research shows that the districts Feijenoord, Charlois, IJsselmonde and Hoogvliet differ in the number and types of local initiatives. The northern side of Rotterdam-South (Feijenoord and Charlois) hosts substantially more local initiatives than neighbourhoods further away from the city centre (Hoogvliet and IJsselmonde). It also shows that neighbourhoods in the northern side of Rotterdam-South receive more attention from both policymakers and researchers than those further south. The report shows that it is important to take stock of what has already been studied and written about a particular neighbourhood or district, and the implications of this for its residents.
How do we conduct research?
The first part of the study consisted of desk research, from which several types of initiatives and organisations emerged. The second part of the study involved interviews with initiators and volunteers of, among others, a playground and community centres in different neighbourhoods. The research illustrates the importance of including the journey to the locations for a sense of distance, experiencing what it is like to spend time there, and connecting with the place you are researching in a different way
The divide in Rotterdam-South
The divide in Rotterdam-South
Team
Seline Westerhof, MScEmail address
Dr. Petra de JongEmail address
Prof. Dr. Jurian EdelenbosEmail address
In the media
The divide in Rotterdam-South
