معرفی
Étienne Walker is a Lecturer in Social Geography at the University of Caen Normandy, affiliated with the ESO (Espaces et Sociétés) research unit, specifically the Caen site. Since 2024, he has served as Department Head of the Carrières Sociales (Social Careers) department at IUT Grand Ouest Normandie in Alençon. His research focuses on social geography, with particular emphasis on nighttime urban spaces, social movements (especially the Yellow Vests movement), spatial appropriation, and metropolitan dynamics. He has been actively involved in multiple research axes within ESO, particularly Axis 2: Practices, experiences and representations of space (2022-2027).
Walker's research interests center on social divisions of space (morphological, administrative, demographic, productive, socio-residential and electoral), modes of spatial appropriation through collective action and social movements, and the Yellow Vest Movement. His work employs sociohistorical, morphogenetic, and structural-constructivist perspectives, utilizing dimensional approaches to space. He investigates inequalities, power relations, and domination through mixed methods including questionnaires, comprehensive and biographical interviews, cartography, geomatics, press reviews, and analysis of programmatic and institutional documents. His geographical focus spans France, particularly Lower Normandy, with case studies in Caen, Rennes, Orne, regional metropolises, and small towns.
Walker's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the Yellow Vests movement, spatial dimensions of social conflict, and university working conditions. His work shows a consistent pattern of examining how spatial dynamics intersect with social movements, political mobilization, and governance. He has developed particular expertise in analyzing the spatial configurations of protest movements and the relationship between peripheral France and political mobilization. His methodological approach integrates both quantitative and qualitative techniques to provide nuanced understandings of spatial politics.
As an active researcher, Walker leads the ANR Yellow Vests research project (2020-2025), specifically heading the 'Configurations and spatialities of the Yellow Vest movement' axis. He also co-founded the Observatory of Working Conditions at the University of Caen Normandy, demonstrating his commitment to both academic research and practical engagement with workplace issues. His collaborative work extends across multiple institutions and research networks focused on social geography and political mobilization.
Walker teaches courses in social geography, urban studies, and research methodology for students in social careers programs. His teaching emphasizes territorial analysis, urban history and architecture, and field research methods. He has supervised student research, including co-encadrement of master's theses, and has been involved in developing educational programs that connect theoretical knowledge with practical territorial analysis.
