معرفی
Elizabeth Harrison is Professor of Anthropology and International Development at the University of Sussex's School of Global Studies and currently serves as Dean of the School of Progressive Futures. She previously held leadership roles as Head of School (2018-2023) and Head of International Development, representing Social Science on the University Executive Group.
Her academic credentials include a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University, followed by an MA in Gender and Development and DPhil in Social Anthropology from Sussex. Her career progression at Sussex spans Research Fellow (1990-1996), Lecturer (1996), Senior Lecturer (2004), Reader (2013), and Professor (2017).
Professor Harrison's research examines ethical claims and power dynamics in development contexts through key concepts of morality, corruption, 'development', and resilience. Her ethnographic fieldwork across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the UK investigates natural resource management—including irrigation systems in post-conflict settings and coastal zones—and social policy domains such as ageing, poverty alleviation, and community regeneration. This work consistently bridges anthropological theory with practical development challenges.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals persistent thematic focus on irrigation governance, economic resilience during crises, and critical evaluations of aid systems. These works employ political ecology and anthropological frameworks to dissect local-institutional interactions, particularly in African agricultural contexts, while challenging technocratic development approaches through attention to moral economies and differentiated legitimacy.
She has supervised 18 PhD students on diverse global topics including bureaucracy in Papua New Guinea, gender equity in South African policing, and food sovereignty in Nicaragua. Her research is funded by ESRC, DFID, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, with notable projects on small-scale irrigation innovation and economic crisis impacts. Additionally, she advises international bodies including FAO, UNRISD, Save the Children, and OECD DAC on policy matters.
Professor Harrison maintains active community engagement through partnerships with Meridian Mature Citizens Forum, Seaford Seniors Forum, and East Sussex County Council, translating research into local consultation practices for social policy and planning initiatives.
