Ruth Patrick

Ruth Patrick is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of York and a Visiting Professor at the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE) at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She leads the Changing Realities and Safety Nets research programs, focusing on poverty, social security, and participatory methods.

• Current Research: Poverty, social security, participatory methods, devolution, public attitudes, stigma
• Key Projects: Changing Realities (collaboration with parents, researchers, and Child Poverty Action Group), Safety Nets (social security and UK devolution), Family Finances (cash support impact on children)

Publication Trends: Recent work examines intersections of poverty, welfare policy, and housing market dynamics. Her research frequently analyzes the two-child limit and benefit cap policies through quantitative and participatory frameworks, emphasizing ethnic disparities, behavioral economics, and mental health impacts.

Collaborations: Works with Aaron Reeves, Kitty Stewart, and multidisciplinary teams on social exclusion, economic inactivity, and welfare reform. Her projects use dyadic analysis, longitudinal datasets, and stakeholder engagement to address policy disconnects.