معرفی
W. Steven Tufts is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at York University's Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. He holds a PhD in Geography from York University, an MA from Queen’s University, and a BA (Honours) in Geography from McGill University. His academic work bridges geography, labour studies, and urban political economy.
His research focuses on labour geography, particularly the geographies of work, organized labour, and urban economic development. Key themes include union renewal, the impact of populism on labour movements, labour market adjustment in tourism and hospitality sectors under climate change and crises, and the role of unions in shaping socially just and environmentally sustainable economic landscapes. He employs critical geographical perspectives to analyze how collective action can transform economic spaces.
His recent scholarly output reveals a strong focus on the intersection of austerity urbanism, populism, and labour resistance, with publications in journals like Antipode, Work, Employment and Society, and Environment and Planning A. His work often examines North American cities and engages with contemporary political challenges facing unions.
Dr. Tufts is actively involved in research leadership, serving as Principal Investigator on an SSHRC Insight Grant project titled Spaces of labour in moments of urban populism, which recruits MA and PhD students. He teaches courses across levels, from introductory geography to doctoral theory seminars, emphasizing critical application of geographical knowledge to real-world issues.
He has contributed chapters to major academic references such as The International Encyclopedia of Geography and edited collections from MQUP and University of Toronto Press. His teaching includes courses like Geographies of Work, Workers, and Workplaces (GEOG 3800) and the Doctoral Seminar in Theory (GEOG 5208).
