By Michelle Pace, Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, and Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham In the last two years, European governments have increasingly emphasised the importance of new arrivals learning the local language and embracing values. In Denmark, where I am now an economic migrant, there has … Continue reading “How Europe can hear the voices of young Syrian refugees”
Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?
By Paul Watts, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue, University of Birmingham Much attention has been given to the concept of happiness, both in the UK and internationally, with Theresa May appointing a minister to tackle loneliness, the launch of the 2018 World Happiness Report, and the work of the Ministry of State … Continue reading “Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?”
World Social Work Day: Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability
By Barbara Fawcett, Professor of Social Work (Adults and Communities) Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham Social workers are catalysts for sustainable change in complex situations. World Social Work Day always makes us think about global challenges. It raises questions, such as how is social work making a difference worldwide; what … Continue reading “World Social Work Day: Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability”
March4(which)Women? Conservative MPs and Feminism
By Amelia Morris, Doctoral Researcher Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Birmingham such feminism “breaks the glass ceiling” in the sense that other women are “blinded by falling shards” On Sunday 4th March, thousands of protesters took to the streets in London to demonstrate their support of gender equality, with a particular emphasis … Continue reading “March4(which)Women? Conservative MPs and Feminism”
The Oscars: 90 years on, where are all the women?
By Finola Kerrigan, Reader in Marketing and Consumption Department of Marketing, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham On the 4th March, the 90th version of the Academy Awards will be broadcast across the world. Last year the focus was on representation and diversity with the #Oscarssowhite campaign. This year, it is all about women. Following … Continue reading “The Oscars: 90 years on, where are all the women?”
Forced migrants and social justice: no justice for asylum seekers in the UK
By Jenny Phillimore, Professor of Migration and Superdiversity Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham In aid of World Day of Social Justice, which this year focuses on ‘Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social Justice.’ The emergence of a so-called “refugee crisis” in Europe wherein over a million refugees fleeing … Continue reading “Forced migrants and social justice: no justice for asylum seekers in the UK”
Random Acts of Kindness: Displaying Moral Character or the Pursuit of Likes?
By Aidan Thompson, Director of Strategy and Integration Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue, University of Birmingham “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention”. Saturday 17 February 2018 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, where people are encouraged to perform acts of kindness either at random, or for random … Continue reading “Random Acts of Kindness: Displaying Moral Character or the Pursuit of Likes?”
Morality: what it is and how to teach it
By Michael Hand, Professor of Philosophy and Education School of Education, University of Birmingham Schools in England are legally required to promote the moral development of pupils. But what exactly does this involve? Most people agree that morality is important and needs to be taught, but when it comes to saying what it is and … Continue reading “Morality: what it is and how to teach it”
Why transforming autism education matters
By Dr Karen Guldberg, Reader in Autism Studies Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs, University of Birmingham Once upon a time, ‘Rainman’ was one of the few portrayals of an autistic person in the media. This has changed from ‘The A word’ to “The Bridge’, from ‘The Good Doctor’ to ‘The Autistic Gardener,’ there … Continue reading “Why transforming autism education matters”
Why we need experts
By Scott Lucas, Professor of American Studies Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham There has been a lot of bashing of “experts” in recent years. Promoting Britain’s departure from the European Union in June 2016, Michael Gove – a hardline Brexiteer and now Environment Secretary said: “I think that the people … Continue reading “Why we need experts”