By David Bomark, Research Fellow Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham One of my favourite Christmases was not spent with my family, as I would normally do, but was instead spent with friends. This was the first time I did not go home as I would usually do, but as my … Continue reading “The sociology of ‘Friendsmas’ and the value of traditions”
Category: Society
“Fierce as F**k, with Long Memories”: How Gregg Wallace Underestimated Women of a Certain Age
By Dr Julie Whiteman, Department of Marketing, Birmingham Business School As a middle-class woman of a certain age, it will be no surprise that I have plenty to say about the recent news of Greg Wallace’s alleged sexual misconduct. Co-host of the long-running TV reality shows Masterchef and Celebrity Masterchef, Wallace has been accused of … Continue reading ““Fierce as F**k, with Long Memories”: How Gregg Wallace Underestimated Women of a Certain Age”
Early release from prison – a simple solution to a complex problem?
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?”
Why money isn’t enough to solve the problem of the Post Office Horizon replacement
West Street, Fareham (56) by Barry Shimmon, CC BY-SA 2.0 By Dr Alice Moore, Assistant Professor in Public Management and Public Policy School of Government, University of Birmingham One of the headline announcements from last week’s Budget was £1.8 billion for compensation to victims of the Post Office scandal. Yet the money Rachel Reeves allocated to … Continue reading “Why money isn’t enough to solve the problem of the Post Office Horizon replacement”
Immersive worlds: Well-being in the (sometimes) blurred boundaries and realities of gaming
By Dr Daniel Wheatley, University of Birmingham; Dr Emma J Breeze, University of Birmingham; Helen Greetham, University of Birmingham; and Mikayla Sinead, Bridge Network Group The singer Raye recently said in an interview that gaming is her secret to escaping life. It appears she’s not the only one. Gaming is a massive worldwide industry employing … Continue reading “Immersive worlds: Well-being in the (sometimes) blurred boundaries and realities of gaming”
Why hold an academic event about Taylor Swift?
By Professor Sarah Montano Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham We were delighted to host The Taylor Swift Phenomenon as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, a standout event that received BBC press coverage for its engaging exploration of cultural influence. Taylor Swift’s ascent to iconic status compels us to examine how society … Continue reading “Why hold an academic event about Taylor Swift?”
Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill: an initial assessment
By Tony Dobbins, Professor of Work and Employment Relations Department of Management, Birmingham Business School The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill undoubtedly heralds a significant boost in workers’ rights after 14 years of Conservative government espousal of a liberalized flexible labour market model – translated as let the market run its course/let people do … Continue reading “Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill: an initial assessment”
Corporal Punishment: Then & Now
By Dr Emma Watkins, Associate Professor in Criminology School of Social Policy and Society, University of Birmingham The topic of corporal punishment evokes passionate responses by those on both sides of the debate. It has always been a contested subject. Historically, the regulations concerning corporal punishment differed according to age, sex and context. Meaning, not … Continue reading “Corporal Punishment: Then & Now”
Social housing repairs and maintenance: challenges, consequences, and a way forward
By Dr Hannah Absalom, University of Birmingham Social housing is meant to provide secure and affordable homes for those who need them most, but residents often face significant hurdles with repairs and maintenance. These issues impact not only the physical state of the property but the wellbeing of residents, leading to stress, health problems, and … Continue reading “Social housing repairs and maintenance: challenges, consequences, and a way forward”
Homes, not just houses: How social housing can lead the fight against domestic abuse
By Dr Hannah Absalom, University of Birmingham The social housing sector has long been seen as a vital safety net, providing affordable homes to millions across the UK. However, in today’s social and political climate, the sector faces an urgent need to reassess its social purpose, particularly in light of Labour’s ambitious goal to halve … Continue reading “Homes, not just houses: How social housing can lead the fight against domestic abuse”