Dr. Sue Ann Macdonald

Biography

Sue-Ann MacDonald is a professor in the School of Social Work at the Université de Montréal since 2011. With decades of experience in the area of homelessness, initially as a social worker in psychiatry and later as a researcher, her work critically examines the various tensions embedded in discourses and practices that perpetuate oppression, exclusion, and discrimination against homeless individuals. Her research focuses on hidden homelessness and precarious housing, the emergence of encampments across Canada, and action-research projects partnering with affected individuals and community organizations to elevate experiential knowledge and practices aimed at enhancing preventive, holistic, and community-oriented approaches to reduce marginalization and exclusion. In her early career, she studied and worked in the field of international development, particularly in East Africa, and community development. Recently, she has become interested in ecological transition and the development of practices, knowledge, and pedagogy focused on climate justice in social work.

Research Interests