Diversity in Practice: Insights from Minority Ethnic Doctors’ Careers

By Professor Etlyn Kenny, Professor Joanne Duberley, Dr Chris Darko, Dr Ashok Patnaik (University of Birmingham) and Professor Dulini Fernando (Aston University) What do the experiences of minority ethnic doctors tell us about workplace inclusion in the diverse field of medicine? A team of researchers from the University of Birmingham and Aston University is investigating … Continue reading “Diversity in Practice: Insights from Minority Ethnic Doctors’ Careers”

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”

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…”

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”

Saluting Our Sisters: Voices from across the College of Social Sciences

October is an important opportunity to share and celebrate black history. This year’s theme is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’, highlighting the crucial role that black women play in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. As a College we have much to contribute and celebrate, be that the groundbreaking research of academics, student success stories, or … Continue reading “Saluting Our Sisters: Voices from across the College of Social Sciences”

Putting it Simply: What is decolonisation?

By Anita Lateano Research Fellow, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham First, we must look at why colonialism is still an issue in today’s universities. Universities are rooted in colonialism. At the height of the British empire, over a quarter of the world’s land mass was covered by British rule. Much of what was taught … Continue reading “Putting it Simply: What is decolonisation?”

“Come on Barbie – let’s go shop!”

By Dr Sarah Montano, Deputy Director of Education (Digital) & Senior Lecturer in Marketing Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham This blog contains spoilers from the film. The launch of the Barbie movie has been highly anticipated. Directed by Greta Gerwig and staring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie suffers an existential crisis that leads … Continue reading ““Come on Barbie – let’s go shop!””

Why offices must adapt to encourage people to return

By Hannes Read, Policy and Data Analyst City-REDI, University of Birmingham “People who tend to have more outgoing and extroverted personalities may be more likely to feel encouraged by more opportunities to network. Yet those who are less outgoing could feel that their wellbeing is best placed by working predominantly from home.” A new study … Continue reading “Why offices must adapt to encourage people to return”