University of Toronto

Jessica Carriere

Jessica Carriere is a second year PhD student. Her research interests center around social policy analysis and transnational policy transfer, with a focus on targeted neighbourhood-based policy models in both Canada and the United Kingdom (i.e. exploring the politics of Third Way policy transfer; and evaluating place-based policy methods and policy 'fit' in the City of Toronto). Her research methods operate through an explicitly interpretive approach to policy analysis. Interpretive policy analysis provides the background or the justification for institutional (re)construction. Rooted in the deliberative democratic tradition, the approach begins with the insight that to understand actions, practices and institutions, we need to grasp the relevant meanings, beliefs and preferences of the people involved.

Drawing on her background in urban and social planning, as well as her research experience with organizations such as Social Planning Toronto and the United Way, she concentrates on the discursive constructs – the frames and stories – that are deliberatively and collaboratively generated through new models of global (or network) governance in order to explore public policy 'in motion'. Jessica is currently working with Ernie Lightman under the Social Assistance in the New Economy (S.A.N.E.) Project. She also works with David Hulchanski as part of the Neighbourhood Change project.