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”

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”

VIDEO: All things considered, is the world really such a bad place?

In this exciting new video series, researchers from the College of Social Sciences sit down over a cuppa and tackle some of the big issues which impact today’s society. If you pay attention to the headlines, you are likely to conclude that life doesn’t seem so great. In the last few years, we have seen … Continue reading “VIDEO: All things considered, is the world really such a bad place?”

A little less ‘Ego’ and a little more humility

By Dr Catherine Darnell, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham The antidote for egotism may therefore be a humble one; rather than deny our limitations, take ownership of them, seek ways to improve them, listen to different points of view, acknowledge alternative conclusions and be ready to repeat this all again. … Continue reading “A little less ‘Ego’ and a little more humility”

Star Wars, democracy and elites

By Paul Jackson, Professor of African Politics Department of International Development, University of Birmingham The Star Wars franchise is one of the most successful sets of films in the history of cinema. It deals with a range of complex issues including a hero’s journey, good versus evil, tolerance versus oppression, however one of the most … Continue reading “Star Wars, democracy and elites”

Luke, Obi-Wan, US Foreign Policy: Thoughts on Star Wars Day

By Scott Lucas, Professor of American Studies Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham It was the magical moment- well, if you consider nuclear weapons magical – when Hollywood and US foreign policy embraced. Ronald Reagan, former President of the United States and star of films such as Bedtime for Bonzo, told … Continue reading “Luke, Obi-Wan, US Foreign Policy: Thoughts on Star Wars Day”

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”