Center for Ethnicities, Communities and Social Policy

Mission and Purpose


The Center for Ethnicities, Communities and Social Policy will bring
together the expertise of social scientists and humanists from Arts and
Sciences and from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research to explore diverse communities in the United States and to examine questions
of social policy. Some of the issues the Center might address are: the
nature of immigration in different regions and historical periods,
similarities and differences in ethnic experiences, the impact of social
and economic discrimination on particular communities, conflict and
cooperation among ethnic communities, the role of government policy in
areas such as employment and housing, and the formation and expression of
cultural and national/transnational identities. Drawing on the College's
proximity to Philadelphia and neighboring cities, the Center will promote
exchanges among academics, policymakers, and other professionals and
provide opportunities for faculty and students to engage in field research
and experiential learning. In addition to promoting cooperation among
departments and programs, the Center, through its outreach efforts, will
provide a vehicle for exchange between the College and the wider community.