Social Relations & Connectivity

In recognition of relational components of enablement and social disadvantage, this theme investigates the nature and impact of social relations and connectivity across the life course. Based on the notion of linked lives, ILAS pursues research questions, and policy and practice concerns, around how relationships within and across social groups and generations can facilitate greater participation and integration. Work in this area explores the association between social relations and: health and well-being outcomes; access to informal support, and broader processes of cohesion and trust. A core interest of ILAS partners is how social relationships and connectedness is subject to change over time, in response to shifts in environmental and personal circumstances.

Important work streams in the theme of social relations includes:

• Interdependency and Informal Social Networks: Projects that explore how positive informal social networks can be reinforced for those most at risk, building on pre-existing interdependencies. Examples of work on this theme include: CFRC work on linking community actors with statutory and private services to strengthen positive outcomes for families, CDLP programmes exploring interdependency in relation to disability related social policy.
• Intergenerational Co-Reliance and Shared Outcomes: Work that investigates economic and social connections and outcomes across generations, and how collaborative approaches can improve meaningful intergenerational cohesion. Examples of work on this theme include: the Changing Generations project which focused on relationships and the transmission of resources across generations.
• Solidarity, Reciprocity and Empathy: Programmes and initiatives that looks at contemporary forms of solidarity and reciprocity and how they can be enhanced through the development of empathy. Examples of work on this theme includes: CFRC programmes on building empathy amongst vulnerable youth groups, CESRD research on how relationships are formed and developed during care for people with dementia.
• Cooperative and Collaborative Working: Activities focused on identifying new ways of collaborative working across different population groups, and public, private, community and education sectors. Examples of work on this theme include: CKI and CORA work on collaborative and community based research with community partners, Project Lifecourse and CFRC researcher training and co-production programmes with children, older people and people with disabilities.