A study from the European Social Survey found that women working full-time still do two-thirds of the household chores, despite an increase in women in the labor market. However, this burden is not matched by men, who may actually benefit from a more equal distribution of housework.
A study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that women know less about politics than men globally, regardless of country's gender equality rating. The research reveals a significant gap in news coverage, with women being underrepresented and cited less often.
New research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council reveals that athletes who recognize early when a goal is unattainable are more successful at achieving their main career goals. Athletes with self-motivation find it harder to disengage from an impossible goal, leading to psychological distress.
Research reveals that girls try to avoid or escape risky situations, while boys act tough to prove their street credentials, but both are critical of gangs and youth violence. The study highlights the importance of community and school-based approaches to addressing all forms of violence against women and girls.
Exercises play a vital role in developing and testing emergency plans, improving staff competences, and fostering multi-agency collaboration. Research reveals that effective exercise design and participation can significantly enhance the UK's ability to respond to emergencies.
A new test developed by researchers can better understand how the human brain decodes letter sequences and distinguish words with jumbled letters. The study aims to provide solutions for helping people with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, potentially leading to new approaches in overcoming reading problems.
A research project led by Dr Laura Azzarito found that young people from ethnic minorities, especially girls, are more likely to be physically inactive and unhealthy due to negative stereotypes. The study used visual diaries to capture their experiences with physical activity, revealing visible gender, race, and social class boundaries.
Almost 230,000 people in the UK have been conned by online romance fraudsters since 2007, research suggests that dating companies need to issue clear warnings on their sites to prevent users from falling victim. The study recommends targeting advice at vulnerable individuals with high romantic ideals or previous mental health problems
The UK government has invested £3.5 million in the Millennium Cohort Study to track the lives of 19,000 children born in 2000-01 as they enter adolescence. The study aims to understand risk behaviors, educational choices, and social relationships among teens.
Philip Lowe, RELU programme director, received the Bertebos Prize for his contributions to sustainable rural development and land use management. The prize recognizes his interdisciplinary approach and impact on rural policy development in the UK and Europe.
A new report investigates UK economic challenges and proposes initiatives to kick-start growth, focusing on education, business, and innovation. The report explores unconventional approaches to issues such as unemployment, management practices, and globalization.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is pleased to announce £30m in funding for eight new research centres and large grants. These investments will focus on various subjects, including infrastructure, interdisciplinary working, and international collaboration.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Cornwall Council and Plymouth University improved social care training, resulting in the development of a new training programme for staff. The programme incorporates aspects of safeguarding adults, the Mental Capacity Act, and Equality and Diversity legislation.
A lack of accurate data on financial crime hampers efforts to tackle business fraud and tax evasion. Professor Michael Levi's research highlights the need for a more evidence-based approach to policing and addressing financial crimes.
A study by psychologists found that 'water clubs' in care homes significantly improve the health of elderly residents through social interaction, with enhanced wellbeing and fewer falls reported. The research supports the idea that group identity can be a powerful tool for improving individuals' quality of life.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has appointed seven senior fellows to examine the impact of Scottish independence on the UK. The fellowship program aims to provide independent research evidence to inform the debate and planning for both scenarios.
A UK-based research project, ECHOES, has successfully used technology to enhance communication skills among autistic children. The program allows them to interact with virtual characters and explore digital environments, leading to improved social and communication skills.
The Britain in 2013 magazine features articles on various pressing problems facing British society, including climate change, hospital mergers, retail sector trends, and Scottish independence. The publication highlights the impact of ESRC-funded research on these issues, offering solutions and insights for a better future.
The UK has launched a new Enterprise Research Centre to study factors affecting business investment, performance and growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The centre will provide evidence for policymakers and SME managers to make informed decisions for growth.
A research team from Sheffield Hallam University argues that introducing abstinence education into UK schools may not be an effective substitute for comprehensive Sex and Relationship Education. Comprehensive SRE has been shown to increase the age of first sexual encounter, reduce risks of unprotected sex and STIs, and provide skills a...
Researchers are developing high-technology ways to see and think about modern cities, using tools like online mapping and modelling to transform the urban experience. This technology enables real-time engagement with citizens through social media, providing valuable insights into city movements and activity patterns.
A pilot study shows that adoption activity days are twice as effective as other methods of family finding, with 30% of children placed in adoptive families. The events provide a fun day out for children while also helping social workers and prospective adopters connect.
A new framework for loan approval has been developed using data mining methods, enabling East Lancashire Moneyline to increase lending by 50% and top £10 million this year. This project aims to improve financial inclusion and reduce the risk of bad debts among low-income individuals.
Research by Professor Tony Bebbington found that social movements in Peru and South Africa have successfully addressed issues of poverty, with many focusing on affordable services like water and sanitation. These movements often begin with specific missions and can achieve positive change through collective action.
A study by ESRC found that social scientists with PhDs are more likely to be in senior positions and make valuable contributions to policymaking. They bring a deeper understanding of research methodologies and can deliver pragmatic solutions.
The UK Cohorts and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resource (CLOSER) aims to maximize the use, value, and impact of nine leading longitudinal studies. By strengthening links between these studies, researchers can make better use of rich data on people's lives, gathered over many years in the UK.
A recent study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) explores the effectiveness of 'nudge' and 'think' techniques in encouraging citizen participation. The researchers found that nudge techniques, such as doorstep canvassing and public recognition, yielded better results but were not always sustained in the long term.
A unique approach to family literacy developed by Professor Cathy Nutbrown has had a huge success, benefiting over 6,000 families in the UK. The ORIM Framework focuses on four key elements: opportunities, recognition, interaction, and models, highlighting parents' roles and offering ideas for how they can help their child.
A training program for NHS therapists has been shown to be successful in treating insomnia. Insomnia sufferers may have greater access to this treatment, which is a more effective alternative to sleeping pills.
A study found that powerful new partnerships can be forged to achieve environmentally and economically sustainable futures. The project aimed to design a strategy for community groups and local authorities to work together more effectively.
The UK hotel industry is alive with innovation, introducing new technologies and designs to improve customer service. Hotels are adopting sustainable practices, incorporating recycled materials and energy-efficient systems, to reduce their environmental impact.
A new study by University of Manchester researchers found that university maths students lack awareness of the importance of mathematical content and struggle to apply math in practice. Schools and colleges are not adequately preparing students for the transition to university learning practices.
The UK Data Service will provide seamless access to extensive range of economic and social data, including census data. The service is designed to support current and future research demands of academic and non-academic users, maximizing the impact of their work.
A study using electroencephalography found that people's brains often don't notice key words with contradictory meanings, leading to semantic illusions. Shallow processing is more likely under cognitive load or when multitasking.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found no causal link between childhood obesity and poor academic achievement. The researchers examined data from nearly 4,000 children and used genetic markers to account for potential confounding factors.
Research reveals that an image of a person can look strikingly different from one image to the next, making it difficult for unfamiliar viewers to identify them. However, familiar viewers find it easier to recognize individuals across various images. The study also found that variability within a person is greater than between people w...
Researchers from the UK and Hong Kong are working together on eight new projects exploring themes such as parenting styles, education, and global issues. The collaboration aims to drive research excellence through intensive interaction and promote scientific exchanges between the two countries.
Research funded by ESRC finds that Avon Representatives in South Africa earn enough to cover household expenditures, placing them in the top half of black females in their community. The study highlights the benefits of entrepreneurship training, financial autonomy, and self-confidence for women.
The symposium aims to examine how multidisciplinary research into epigenetics can help provide answers to societal concerns, including the impact of poverty and social deprivation on child development and health outcomes. Emerging research shows that environmental factors can influence gene expression, leading to lasting epigenetic marks.
A recent study found that UK cities exhibit striking differences in cycling cultures, from traditional modes of transport to edgy subcultures. In contrast, cyclists in certain locations face barriers such as bike theft and worrying about what to wear on their bikes.
A study by Brunel University found that only a few percent of older people in these communities receive formal care from the wider community or government. Women, particularly daughters and wives, play a crucial role in caregiving, but many face isolation and loneliness. The researchers emphasize the importance of family support for de...
Research suggests that early adversity can result in altered brain connectivity and functions, leading to increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors. This can be particularly concerning for young offenders who have experienced traumatic childhoods or traumatic brain injuries.
A new report by the Technology-Enhanced Learning Research Programme recommends enhancing learning through digital technology to equip students with computational thinking skills and confidence as digital collaborators. The report outlines 12 recommendations to transform education's use of technology.
Researchers argue that traditional return-to-country models for refugees are flawed, citing instances where up to 20% of returned Afghan refugees have become displaced again. New flexible approaches focusing on cross-border links and migration can help support refugee families and communities.
People's facial perception judgments go beyond simple racial or gender categorization, according to new research. The study found that people reject stereotypes when presented with contradictory information, highlighting the complexity of face perception.
Research finds that UK boys would prefer a male befriender due to concerns about being discouraged from activities they enjoy with female friends. Girls also benefit from male companionship, particularly those from lone mother families, but are rarely matched with men due to the shortage of volunteer male befrienders.
Research funded by ESRC shows that soldiers who mutilate enemy corpses do so due to racist attitudes and military traditions. Human trophy-taking is a form of racially-motivated violence specific to military personnel in wartime.
Humanist funerals in the UK prioritize reflecting the deceased person's character and worldviews, offering an alternative to traditional religious ceremonies. Dr. Matthew Engelke's research found that many non-religious individuals feel it essential to express their individuality through funeral choices.
Research finds that mothers in 'mixed' families are taking charge of teaching their children about minority cultures, leading to a stronger sense of identity. This initiative aims to provide relationship support for couples with different racial or ethnic backgrounds, promoting understanding and dealing with cultural differences.
Researchers found that street furniture, public spaces, and architecture can both fuel and mitigate tensions between different social groups. Dr Ralf Brand identified urban features that contribute to community divisions, as well as those that promote positive interactions.