By Dr Katy Dineen, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham What does friendship mean in a world of clicks, likes, emojis and pokes? The idea of a ‘friend’ is becoming increasingly unrecognizable; from a noun denoting some form of sanctuary, sympathy and simpatico to a verb conferring social status (or, … Continue reading “Friendship in the age of social media: Friend-collectors and well-wishers”
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Should we still ‘marvel’ at comic book heroes?
By Michael Fullard, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham I can only hope that the thousands of fans attending the current Comic-Con convention, and the millions of other fans around the world, ‘marvel’ at these superheroes not only because of their extraordinarily feats of strength or speed, but because of … Continue reading “Should we still ‘marvel’ at comic book heroes?”
Fake bonding? Will Trump and Putin’s Helsinki meeting replay Singapore?
By Nicholas Wheeler, Professor of International Relations Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham Professor Marcus Holmes, The College of William and Mary If Helsinki achieves this, or at least paves the way to an eventual agreement, then Trump will have some claim that he has forged a personal bond with Putin that … Continue reading “Fake bonding? Will Trump and Putin’s Helsinki meeting replay Singapore?”
A Political Count: Looking ahead to the 2021 Census
By Dr Laurence CooleyLecturer in Comparative Politics, Department of Political Science and International Studies While the 2021 census is the best part of three years away, it was making news last week, thanks to former Sinn Féin chair and Assembly speaker Mitchel McLaughlin. McLaughlin used his inaugural lecture as an honorary professor at Queen’s University … Continue reading “A Political Count: Looking ahead to the 2021 Census”
Racial displacements: learning (from) the city
By Dr Giovanni Picker, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Senior Researcher Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham Forced displaced populations, whether urban or global, are often racialised subjects viewed as less deserving Understanding global inequalities is no easy task. While income, wealth and gender (i.e. sex at birth) are measurable data, race and ethnicity are … Continue reading “Racial displacements: learning (from) the city”
VIDEO AND PODCAST: What does it mean to be British?
The 22 June marks 70 years since the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks. The ‘sons of the Empire’ came not as immigrants, but as British subjects exercising a form of “freedom of movement” within the borders of the British territories. But as we fast forward to today, three generations later, the Windrush scandal … Continue reading “VIDEO AND PODCAST: What does it mean to be British?”
On not helping refugees
By Rachel Humphris, Lecturer Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham Refugee Week offers us the opportunity to reflect on the ways that we can better support refugees. For me, there are three critical points to consider when looking at how we can welcome and help those often badged as ‘others’: Why … Continue reading “On not helping refugees”
Volcano eruption in Guatemala – a tale of natural and political disasters
By Dr Sanne Weber, Research Fellow International Development Department, University of Birmingham The eruption of the volcano ‘Fuego’ (Fire) in Guatemala last Sunday and the government’s response to it laid bare once again the severe social and political crisis in the country, the result of years of corruption, social and political conflict. The eruption flooded … Continue reading “Volcano eruption in Guatemala – a tale of natural and political disasters”
Good Girls VS Bad Girls: exploring the representations of female sexuality on ITV’s Love Island
By Amelia Morris, Doctoral Researcher Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Birmingham Overall, it is important to analyse reality TV’s representations of femininity and sexuality; shows such as Love Island exist within the mainstream and draw in large audiences. Thus, conversations surrounding gender and sexuality can be amplified through such shows in a … Continue reading “Good Girls VS Bad Girls: exploring the representations of female sexuality on ITV’s Love Island”
Why do people volunteer for international development organisations?
By David Hudson, Professorial Research Fellow in Politics and Development International Development Department, University of Birmingham Who are these people who give their time, and work with and for international development organisations? People become engaged with international development in lots of different ways and for many different reasons. Some people donate to a charity because … Continue reading “Why do people volunteer for international development organisations?”