Sociology Research Seminars
Applying Social Research Methods to the Infrastructure Planning Process
Thursday 26 March 2009, 4 – 6pm Monash Conference Centre (Level 7, 30 Collins Street)
Owen Boushel & Michael Willis
Slideshow of Social Research Methods presentation (Powerpoint ~5Mb)
Abstract
Infrastructure underpins our quality of life; road networks determine how fast we travel, sewerage systems reduce disease and power grids enable us to watch TV and light our homes.
While economists can tell you what these improvements mean in economic terms, they are hesitant to enter the realm of the non-monetised impacts. What does a new freeway mean to the community through which it travels? At what point does the loss of recreational space locally become outweighed by the wider social benefit to the community of a pipeline? It is the role of the sociologist to answer these questions and provide input into the early stages of project planning.
We will be discussing how social research methods are used in social impact assessments to inform decision making in the infrastructure planning process. This will involve an explanation of the planning process and the importance of applying strong social research methods. Finally this will be demonstrated by way of several case studies.
Biographical note
Owen Boushel and Michael Willis both work as consultant social scientists specializing in social impact assessment and community consultation. In this role they have worked on transport, water and power infrastructure projects. Owen is currently examining the impact of a proposed power station in western Victoria while Michael is both looking at the impact of released flows from the Murray and a road bypass.
Please RSVP: mark.davis@arts.monash.edu.au