Rachel Rafferty

Rachel Rafferty is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby, affiliated with the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences. Her research focuses on peace studies, conflict resolution, refugee resettlement, and narrative analysis, with a strong emphasis on Northern Ireland's conflict dynamics and refugee experiences in New Zealand and Bangladesh. Her work integrates sociological perspectives with educational and policy frameworks to address structural inequities and promote resilience.

Key research interests include transitional justice, the cultural dimensions of intractable conflicts, and the role of narratives in shaping reconciliation efforts. Recent studies explore how NGOs facilitate glocalised peace initiatives, the agency of international students, and the structural violence faced by refugees. Rafferty’s interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, political science, and education to address global and local challenges.

Her articles highlight themes such as refugee resilience frameworks, victimhood representations in peacebuilding, and the pedagogical implications of historical narratives. While no academic awards are explicitly mentioned, her extensive publication record reflects sustained contributions to peace, conflict, and migration studies. No grants, labs, or formal advisees are detailed in the provided texts.