Background and Mission
We live in a world that is globally connected and rapidly changing. How we understand and engage with these changes is rarely a straightforward process. The mission of the Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation (CCG) is to explore these new realities and how they alter the nature of belonging and citizenship in our increasingly interconnected world. In approaching these critical questions, the CCG aims to assess the benefits and challenges of globalisation in particular as they relate to everyday cultural and religious diversity.
Since its inception more than a decade ago, the CCG has systematically examined the complex and often contradictory meanings of citizenship, social inclusion and globalisation at the local, national and transnational levels. In undertaking these analyses, CCG researchers often adopt multidisciplinary,
cross-cultural and international approaches focused on issues of local attachment, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and religion. Much of this research is funded through competitive grants and is undertaken in partnership with industry, communities, professional associations, educational and academic institutions, intergovernmental organisations, NGOs and international agencies. Informed by empirical data and cutting-edge theory, the CCG provides evidence-based research to civil society organisations, governments, UN agencies and other stakeholders. This knowledge transfer is a key dimension of the CCG's activities aimed at shaping policies and practices to improve social conditions both locally and globally.
The CCG's work over the last three years in particular has generated an impressive international impact which cements its reputation as one of the foremost multidisciplinary research centres studying citizenship and globalisation in Australia and internationally. The CCG will continue to undertake pure and applied research employing cutting edge theoretical approaches and innovative methodological designs.
Our specific aims are therefore to:
- advance the theoretical and practical development of intercultural relations, migration, racism, religion, democracy, politics and governance as concepts within the field of citizenship and globalisation studies;
- conduct high quality research on theoretical, empirical and policy developments in citizenship and globalisation studies, and disseminate findings to both academic and public audiences;
- increase awareness and uptake of the CCG's research by key local, national and international organisations;
- develop and maintain a vibrant research culture that fosters and supports early and midcareer researchers;
- ensure individual and team research projects inform teaching and learning programs in the Faculty of Arts and Education, and Deakin University; and
- deliver excellence in research training through our higher degree by research programs.
These aims are achieved through:
- investigating how citizens engage with and participate in civil society and governance institutions;
- considering the potential of an active and cosmopolitan approach to citizenship and intercultural relations as a key element in the resolution of local, national and global tensions and inequities; and
- generating bench mark empirical evidence and innovative theoretical frameworks to improve our understanding of increasingly complex social phenomena.
