Institute of Social and Economic Research
The Institute of Social and Economic Research is based at Rhodes University serving both the university and broader Eastern Cape community. The Institute is involved in a wide range of socio-economic research, with a strong Eastern Cape bias although our research interests reach further into south and east Africa. The institute seeks to help young scholars, the university and the wider community with research expertise and knowledge. An inter-disciplinary centre, we have six broad research clusters:
Regional Social and Economic research, led by Prof Ruiters, explores policy and development issues in the Eastern Cape province and the Makana municipal area.
Prof Møller leads the second cluster concerning themes relating to Quality of Life. We investigate social indicators and social attitudes in South Africa through surveys and analysis.
Prof van Niekerk explores Social Policy and Social Change in South Africa.
The Bio-Cultural Diversity Conservation cluster, spear-headed by Dr Cocks, researches issues relating to the use of natural resources, land use and environmental-cultural practices with a strong emphasis on livelihoods.
The fourth research cluster, Political Traditions of the Eastern Cape led by Prof Peires, unearths the history of the Eastern Cape, preserves oral traditions, memories and stimulates heritage awareness in all sectors of the community to enhance self-respect and national identity.
Our final cluster investigates the restructuring of municipal services and the commercialisation of health care in East and southern Africa. The specific aim is to map the flows of capitals in the East and southern African region. This research is a joint project with EQUINET, co-ordinated by Prof Ruiters and Ms Borland.
The ISER hosts prominent international academics, organises an Annual Summer School for civil society organisations and holds regular university seminars. We encourage work with students and provide a number of SANPAD and NRF scholarships for students at Rhodes University to undertake MA and PhD research.
