Douglas D. Perkins

Professor of Human and Organizational Development

Ph.D., New York University, 1990

Research Area

Community Psychology: citizen participation/empowerment; community development; social ecology and change; organization/program development/evaluation

Environment & Behavior: interdisciplinary study of community environmental problems (environmental criminology, housing & homelessness, deterioration, neighborhood revitalization, urban planning & design, disasters, environmental sustainability) and individual, community, and governmental responses

Social Psychology, Law & Public Policy: research dissemination & policy use; disorder, crime & delinquency prevention; reactions to crime; deviance & social control theories

Short Biography

Professor Perkins was the founding director of the Ph.D. Program in Community Research & Action, of Graduate Studies in Human & Organizational Development, and of the interdisciplinary Center for Community Studies at Peabody College, Vanderbilt. He is a Fellow of the Society for Community Research and Action. Issues his research, teaching, and consultation have addressed include neighborhood revitalization, housing, youth violence, crime, fear and social capital (sense of community, neighboring, networks), human migration, and disorder in urban community settings in the U.S., Europe, China, and South Africa, where he has conducted collaborative Fieldschools in Intercultural Education & Research.

Professor Perkins studies and works with voluntary associations, grassroots and non-profit community organizations, and government agencies responding to such issues, at all levels but especially local government. His conceptual orientation stresses ecological systems frameworks and multiple levels of analysis (individuals, families, organizations, communities). His populations of interest include neighborhood residents and leaders, the disenfranchised, low-income, minorities, and at-risk youths.

Classes Taught

Professor Perkins' teaching philosophy and methods (class size permitting) emphasize a participatory seminar format, collegial atmosphere, and relevant and experiential learning. His students look at the community settings they live and work in and identify real-life social or environmental issues affecting them and then study and try to solve them systematically.

Learn More about Douglas D. Perkins:

Projects | Courses Taught | Selected Publications
Awards | CV | Media Mentions

Related Links

• Center for Community Studies

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