Jackie Smith, professor in the Department of Sociology in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to Canada. Smith, whose research focuses on how globalization impacts people and communities, will conduct research at McMaster University’s Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition as part of her book project, “Globalization, Human Rights and Cities in the 21st Century.”
This research considers how global economic and social policies affect cities’ abilities to address residents’ needs, and how people are coming together within and across cities to demand their “right to the city.” The award will enable Smith to include additional comparative research on human rights, racial equity and housing justice struggles in Canadian cities.
Smith has documented long-term trends in transnational social movement organizations and coalitions, in addition to research on connections between global politics and activism in cities and communities. Smith is currently engaged in participatory research with Pittsburgh and with national human rights organizers and engaged in work to connect municipalities with United Nations human rights work.
The flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, the Fulbright Program is designed to forge lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries, counter misunderstandings and help people and nations work together toward common goals.