Including older women, or extending sexism? Midlife women in popular culture

By Dr Julie Whiteman Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham On 8th March we heard much about ‘inspiring inclusion’ as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Inspiring inclusion will mean many things to many people, recognising the scope of exclusion that permeates all aspects of our society. By focusing on inclusion, it is hoped we … Continue reading “Including older women, or extending sexism? Midlife women in popular culture”

Social work and the renewal of generosity towards service users and social workers

By Professor Harry Ferguson Professor of Social Work, Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham Every day in this country social workers perform countless acts that make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people. What they do involves kindness, compassion, courage, resilience, cleverness, wisdom and high levels of knowledge … Continue reading “Social work and the renewal of generosity towards service users and social workers”

International Women’s Day: Trans women cannot be left behind

By Dr Sophie King-Hill Associate Professor in the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham International Women’s Day is a day that has been dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of women and girls for over 100 years. This day celebrates women and highlights the rights of women that are so vitally needed for … Continue reading “International Women’s Day: Trans women cannot be left behind”

Barbie (and Ken) at the Oscars: what does this say about gender inequality in the film industry?

By Professor Finola Kerrigan Professor in Marketing, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham The 2024 Academy Awards’ Ceremony will take place on Sunday. It comes just after 2024’s International Women’s Day and during Women’s History Month. Much has been made of Ryan Gosling’s best supporting actor nomination for his role as Ken in Barbie with … Continue reading “Barbie (and Ken) at the Oscars: what does this say about gender inequality in the film industry?”

Why a ‘no man’s land’ employment status fuels gig worker unrest

By Professor Tony Dobbins Professor of Work and Employment Relations, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham Employment relations between delivery riders and platform employers Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eats on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2024, were distinctly unromantic. Delivery riders providing services to these digital online platform employers held a mass withdrawal of labour … Continue reading “Why a ‘no man’s land’ employment status fuels gig worker unrest”

How do I love thee – let me count the gifts…

By Professor Sarah Montano Professor of Retail Marketing, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham With apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Valentine’s Day is the day where it is traditional to express your love for your partner via the medium of retail! Are you expecting flowers, a card or a cute bear? However you celebrate with … Continue reading “How do I love thee – let me count the gifts…”

Sibling Sexual Behaviour: how can services respond to the most common yet under-reported form of sexual abuse within the family?

By Dr Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham & Professor Kieran McCartan, UWE Sexual abuse is one of the most common and under reported forms of interpersonal violence. Although individuals, communities and society recognise the reality of sexual abuse and its ongoing implications for victims, the people who have committed the abuse, and their … Continue reading “Sibling Sexual Behaviour: how can services respond to the most common yet under-reported form of sexual abuse within the family?”

Change the national curriculum in science to empower climate action

By Daniel Cottle Associate Professor of Secondary Education (Physics), University of Birmingham COP28 has come to a hopeful close with countries agreeing to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems”. One important energy system of relevance to all of us as we cope with high energy prices and the onset of winter is how … Continue reading “Change the national curriculum in science to empower climate action”

Health Day at COP28: The first, but surely not the last

By Dr Niheer Dasandi Associate Professor in Politics and Development in the International Development Department (IDD), University of Birmingham. Sunday 3rd December at COP28 in Dubai saw the first ever ‘Health Day’ at the annual UN climate summit. This focus on the health impacts of climate change is long overdue; as the World Health Organisation … Continue reading “Health Day at COP28: The first, but surely not the last”

The Autumn Statement or a New Political Game in Spotting the Politics of Tokenism

By Professor John Bryson Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography, Birmingham Business School In 1777, Samuel Johnson proclaimed to James Boswell, his friend and biographer, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”. I must admit to being tired of Autumn Statements and of a British political system that is not … Continue reading “The Autumn Statement or a New Political Game in Spotting the Politics of Tokenism”