By Dr Anna Kotova, Associate Professor in Criminology School of Social Policy and Society, University of Birmingham In September 2024, it was announced that a number of prisoners were set for earlier release, at the 40% point of their sentence as opposed to the 50% point, in order to relieve some of the overcrowding pressures … Continue reading “Early release from prison – a simple solution to a complex problem?”
Author: Guest Editor
Saoirse Ronan has a point – but independent travel is worse for girls and young women living in areas of high deprivation
By Dr Sarah Brooks-Wilson Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology American-Irish actor Saoirse Ronan has a greater platform than most and her short remarks on the Graham Norton show recently have sparked widespread discussions about personal safety strategies that women regularly use. Although research evidence and crime data support the view that personal safety … Continue reading “Saoirse Ronan has a point – but independent travel is worse for girls and young women living in areas of high deprivation”
How could the US election results impact the UK?
By Dr Anandadeep Mandal Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham The U.S. presidential election results have a substantial ripple effect on the U.K., influencing areas like economic stability, security cooperation, trade agreements, and global environmental goals. As the U.K.’s closest ally, U.S. leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping U.K.’s policies, especially regarding trade, military … Continue reading “How could the US election results impact the UK?”
US Election 2024: Can we trust the polls?
By Dr Anandadeep Mandal Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham The reliability of 2024 U.S. election polls is a critical question given recent polling inaccuracies in key election years. Historically, polls have struggled to capture precise snapshots of voter preferences, especially when predicting voter turnout, demographic preferences, and unexpected political shifts. Polling accuracy depends on … Continue reading “US Election 2024: Can we trust the polls?”
The Fallacy of Borrowing to Invest
By Professor John Bryson Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham There are many way of describing the Labour budget. To some in Labour, the budget process has been described as “a mess” whilst others use words like “chaos” and “carnage”. These descriptions apply to discussions regarding departmental budgets. All this is very Yes Minister. In … Continue reading “The Fallacy of Borrowing to Invest”
Paris 2024: Hijab Ban Undermines Gender Equality Milestone
By Dr Ibtihal Ramadan, Research Fellow EEI, School of Education A key point to note from the 33rd Olympic games in Paris, France that concluded just ten days ago, is the hijab ban for French women athletes. (Un)Surprisingly, the ban occurs amidst an important landmark of Paris Olympics: it has been celebrated to be the … Continue reading “Paris 2024: Hijab Ban Undermines Gender Equality Milestone”
Can Humans Learn “Straight from the Horse’s Mouth”?
By Dr Harriet Clarke Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology Social science researchers often consider whose voices could advocate for social change. So – and do bear with me – do social scientists have any business asking, ‘Can ‘listening’ to non-human animals support our role in building better lives for all living beings’? Colleagues and I … Continue reading “Can Humans Learn “Straight from the Horse’s Mouth”?”
A winter of discontent for pensioners?
By Professor Martin Powell Health Services Management Centre Professor of Health and Social Policy ‘How we treat our old people is a crucial test of our national quality. A nation that lacks gratitude to those who have honestly worked for her in the past while they had the strength to do so, does not deserve … Continue reading “A winter of discontent for pensioners?”
What is AI doing to parent teacher relationships? Collection pot messages and template school reports
By Dr Stephen Jeffares Department of Public Administration and Policy Associate Professor Director of Postgraduate Research, INLOGOV For parents of young children, the end of term errand list includes “pick up a present for the teacher”. It seems best teacher mugs and budget prosecco is being replaced by online collection pots. The most organised parent … Continue reading “What is AI doing to parent teacher relationships? Collection pot messages and template school reports”
Football Governance Bill 2.0: An Opportunity to Embrace Responsible Business Practices
By Idlan Zakaria Associate Professor in Accounting, Birmingham Business School The Football Governance Bill, aimed at setting up an independent football regulator to oversee non-sporting matters impacting the football industry, was mentioned in the Kings’ Speech on 17 July; one of 40 that underlined the government’s legislative priorities in the upcoming parliamentary session. The bill … Continue reading “Football Governance Bill 2.0: An Opportunity to Embrace Responsible Business Practices”