Natalie Smith

Natalie Smith is a Ph.D. student in the Sociology Department at Boston University. With a focus on urban sociology, her interests include gentrification, displacement, housing injustice, urban inequalities, and the Right to the City. She has previously worked on research that explored the loss of council (public) housing and community displacement due to urban regeneration in London, UK.

With a BA in Spatial Practice from Central Saint Martins, London, and an MA in Cities & Society (Urban Sociology) from Goldsmiths, University of London, her dissertation explored the problems associated with large-scale urban renewal and regeneration. Using the redevelopment of Robin Hood Gardens, a council estate in East London, as a case study, the research explored themes around displacement from home and community, impacts of tenure change and long-term affordability, and the move from public to private housing within wider UK housing policy. The research further examined themes of housing stigmatization, working-class identities, and urban belonging.

Natalie is new to Boston. In her spare time, she explores the city and enjoys learning about its history.