Dr Jai Cooper

We all need a sense of purpose, however, when times change we have to adjust. Cervantes' tale of Don Quixote reminds us that it is absurd to be dogmatically attached to ideals but there is also merit in retaining some traditions. This process of 'hysteresis', the adjustment of social processes rendering some practices obsolete and others successful, is central to my work. Communities, industries and individuals can embrace different blends of tradition and innovation, ultimately helping them to adapt to changing social, economic and environmental conditions.  

I've spent decades working mostly in the community environment sector with a focus on young people. This work has led to wide experience with private and public landowners and managers, Aboriginal communities, international tourists, government, community groups and corporations. It's been a privilege to encounter the many ways in which people understand, appreciate and utilise the natural world to invest in our collective future. 

In 2022, I completed my doctoral research into Australian 'environmental workfare' programs such as Green Army, National Green Jobs Corps, Green Corps and LEAP (the Landcare Environment Action Program). My research builds upon a diverse career in community and youth outdoor/environmental action, amongst other work, to apply a social scientific lens grounded in both academic and lived experience. With some politicians making radical calls, such as youth conscription to fight the effects of climate change, future directions in labour relations and responses to climate change can be better understood by examining how young workers are already negotiating an 'Anthropocene Bargain': a bargain between helping the environment while maintaining dignified working conditions. As part of the growing field of research into the 'Just Transition' and a 'Green New Deal', perhaps these lessons can help avoid repeating mistakes or engaging in futile struggles.  

As a professional who has bridged the gap with sessional academic work for many years, I ranged across areas of sociological interest including: the environment, youth, work, housing, mobilities and more, teaching into various courses across the University of Newcastle including social sciences, business and enabling programs. My research background also engages with the sociology of health and mobilities. My honours thesis explored bicycle advocacy in regional/rural communities of NSW. I use a walking stick and sometimes a bike for mobility assistance. In 2022-23, alongside Associate Professor Kathy Mee and Dr Julia Cook, our research into the 'Grow A Star' program found how a small grants program for young people helped to break cycles of disadvantage. Retaining connections to the wider community, I also work occasionally in transport in the Hunter region’s hospitality sector (taking wine tours, hens and bucks nights, picking up VIPs in the stretch limousine and more), 'keeping it real' (so to speak) as a  public sociologist. 

Since late 2023, I've been working as a consultant for the Institute for Regional Futures. It's a great role where I get to apply the diversity of my experience, working on projects supporting industry transition, housing, First Nations, governance and more for the benefit of regional areas.