Research
Through my research I aim to establish (and maximise) avenues for dialogue between normative theory, empirical research, and policy practice.
My research to date has largely focused on the distinctive idea of freedom as non-domination offered by the republican tradition of political thought, and how this can help to shed new light on pressing issues of public policy and regulation.
I continue to develop this 'applied' or 'problem driven' approach to political theory across three broad areas of study.
The future of work and labour market regulation
Exploring what different ideas of freedom mean for the organisation and governance of firms, and the wider labour market as a whole, in a rapidly changing world of work. How can the value of freedom best be maximised for workers in the contemporary economy, how is their freedom threatened, and what are the wider implications of ongoing labour market transformations for local communities? In particular, I am interested in critically assessing the significance of increasingly intense, insecure, and isolating employment practices and identifying how labour market policy ought to respond.
Spatial inequality and local economic development
Identifying the normative ‘stakes’ associated with widening socio-economic inequalities between communities, and considering the implications for local economic policymaking. In particular, I am interested in understanding the political significance of so-called ‘left behind’ places and assessing how public policy can respond.
Local governance and democracy
What is the proper constitutional role of local government in a modern democracy? How can it act as a meaningful bulwark against the power of the state and the market? And how can it sufficiently enable the more active forms of citizenship? Here, I am particularly interested in assessing the trajectory of devolution in England, and understanding how this can be developed to better promote democratic values.