A recent study funded by ESRC mapped London state school pupils' languages, revealing 60% speak English as first language and nearly 40% a minority language. Language spoken at home provides valuable insights into socio-economic position and culture.
Research finds that many migrant children have positive experiences, but some face racism, language barriers, and access issues. Policy recommendations include national guidance, better funding, and clear training for professionals.
Historical research suggests that affluence rather than poverty drives alcohol consumption levels, particularly among the middle classes. This challenges traditional approaches to reducing consumption through taxation.
Research found that only a small minority of students don't use email or mobile phones, but most struggle with in-depth technology skills. Despite this, students often rely on technologies for social life and leisure rather than study purposes.
A recent study found that raising the school leaving age was met with significant controversy and sacrifice in the past, highlighting potential difficulties in adapting to future changes. The UK's decision to raise the education participation age to 17 in 2013 and potentially 18 in 2015 may face similar challenges.
A study by Professor Nick Gallent found that communities are 'hopeful bystanders' rather than contributors to planning decisions, citing lack of investment in building relationships and inadequate protocol support. The research highlights the need for a more responsive approach to community input in local planning.
A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is skewed towards polluting corporations and people who earn a living from the market. The CDM is meant to finance investment projects that reduce emissions and bring development benefits to poorer countries.
The survey highlights the challenges faced by young people, including unemployment and lack of access to higher education. It also reveals a diverse UK population with increasing connections to other countries, particularly among White British individuals.
A study of 40,000 UK households found that only 6.4% of people moved home between 2009 and 2010, with urban dwellers more likely to fulfill their moving desires. The main reasons for moving were seeking better accommodation, family-related factors, or improving neighborhood conditions.
A UK study of 40,000 households found that staying out late is linked to problem behaviors like smoking and drinking among 10-15 year olds. Regularly staying out late without parental knowledge is associated with family relationships and geographical location.
A new UK study found that teenagers who engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, and not smoking are significantly happier than their peers. The research also showed that young people's participation in sports increases happiness levels.
A recent study by Understanding Society found that young people are facing a 'double-penalty' in the current job market, with higher unemployment rates and lower chances of finding new jobs. This is due to both being more likely to be laid off and having fewer job-specific skills.
A study of over 34,000 adults found that middle-class children have benefited the most from increased access to higher education. The expansion of universities between 2001 and 2016 saw a significant increase in degrees among those born into managerial or intermediate occupations.
A recent study found that in the UK, most people (9/10) turn to their partner for positive emotional support. The study also revealed gender differences in perceptions of social support from partners, family members, and friends. Women tend to look more widely to other family members and friends for support.
A study by Dr Jörg Zinken at the University of Portsmouth found that Polish speakers use imperatives (
Researchers have identified key factors that influence professionals' decisions to spot financial exploitation of elderly people, including the older person's mental capacity and nature of the financial problem. The study aims to improve recognition and prevention of financial abuse through better decision-making among professionals.
A recent study finds that Easterners process visual information holistically, taking context and situation into account, whereas Westerners focus on key features. This difference affects face recognition, leading to varying levels of eye contact, and has implications for smooth cross-cultural interactions.
A longitudinal qualitative study found that older adults work hard to maintain their health and independence, but struggle when they become dependent on others. Support and care must be responsive to the individual's needs and perspectives to enhance dignity.
The software highlights discrepancies between different types of understanding and helps children perform better in school. Children using the software made substantial progress in reasoning, especially with challenging concepts like object fall.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has appointed Nottingham Business School as Retail Knowledge Navigators to build relationships with the retail sector. The team will include experts Professor Kim Cassidy, Dr Sheilagh Resnick, and Professor Paul Whysall, who bring extensive experience in marketing and management.
A study by Plymouth University found that preparing to act can improve the way people process visual information, which could help children with severe learning difficulties communicate more effectively. The research used a change blindness game to test participants' ability to detect changes in pictures of different sizes.
The Economic & Social Research Council announces twenty new projects to develop quantitative methods (QM) skills in social science undergraduates. The projects aim to create online and interactive teaching resources, videos, and podcasts using technology to facilitate QM curriculum development and expansion of QM teachers.
Research by the University of Leeds found that partnering up or planning with someone can really boost the likelihood of sticking to dieting plans, health programmes. Joint planning and 'if...then...' cues made a sustained effect on employees' exercise regimes.
Fourteen teams from the UK, Canada, Netherlands, and US have been awarded over £3 million to develop innovative humanities and social science research using large-scale data analysis. The projects focus on applying computational techniques to understand population databases, digitised newspapers, and medieval charters.
A study by Dr Matt Barnes found that two-thirds of workers work at unusual times, limiting their leisure time and social interactions. Older people, particularly those living alone, experience poor social relations and social exclusion, with many spending hours alone each day.
New research suggests that virtual worlds can help young people learn and negotiate new situations, developing skills like organisational and cognitive abilities. The Inter-Life project created private islands where participants interacted using avatars, leading to improved engagement and learning outcomes.
The Learning Designer is an interactive program that assists teachers in designing and developing lesson plans using digital technologies. It offers ideas and advice on introducing technology gradually within resource constraints, reusing existing materials, and maximizing its benefits for learners.
A new study funded by the ESRC reveals that disabled children often experience discrimination, exclusion, and even violence. Despite this, many have untapped reserves of potential and high aspirations that can be fulfilled with effective support.
A study led by London's Institute of Education found that using new teaching methods and community support can significantly reduce school drop-out rates. The project cut drop-out rates by 42% in just a year, particularly among vulnerable children.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that Whitehall's deep-rooted culture of centralism is a major barrier to achieving localism in England. The research team conducted interviews with senior Whitehall officials and regional stakeholders, revealing a lack of flexibility and discretion in spending decisions.
A study involving 50 secondary school children explored what types of youth services young people want. The research found that providing youth services helps prevent youth crime and has a positive impact on their behavior. Young people were asked to prioritize and distribute limited resources, informing the development of youth centers.
A workshop titled 'Act your Age! Challenging Stereotypes' brings together young children and older adults to explore perceptions of ageing. Through interactive activities, participants develop self-awareness and intergenerational relationships, challenging negative views of older people.
Community land ownership in Scotland has been found to stimulate businesses, affordable housing, and infrastructure projects, bringing new people and increasing employment. Local decision-making is crucial for building resilience, with communities able to overcome challenges through their own resources or external connections.
Academics and activists warn that proposed reforms could lead to greater exclusion of disabled children from mainstream schools. The proposals aim to give parents more control over funding for their child's support, but critics argue this could result in further marginalization.
A study of 100 migrants found that most sex workers choose their jobs for better pay and avoid menial employment, challenging the notion of forced trafficking
A new project, 'Global Youth Leaders', empowers young people from deprived communities to connect with cultures outside their own through workshops and mentorship. The initiative aims to break down pre-conceived views and broaden knowledge and understanding among participants.
A Glasgow nostalgia event is exploring the role of nostalgia in shaping individual and community identities through a 'Glasgow Schooldays Remembered' event. Participants will share school-day memories and create photo-essays about their past, with the goal of preserving and passing on memories.
A new study finds that parents' use of language, tone, and non-verbal cues helps toddlers differentiate between joking and pretending. This interaction aids in the development of essential life skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and social skills.
Researcher Dr Nick Pearce warns that zombies in modern media represent a loss of control and powerlessness, mirroring societal issues like consumerism and government influence. The original zombie concept offers hope for resistance against controlling forces, making it a timely metaphor for today's society.
The 'Britain on Trial: Young Voices Speak Out' event brings together young people with leading writers, artists, academics, and activists to discuss challenges and develop ideas for change. Participants create and share their own creative responses to social issues using performance-poetry, art, and drama.
Experts warn that Olympic security measures, such as fixed video cameras and bollards, will have a lasting impact on East London communities once the Games are over. The legacy of increased surveillance and security poses significant questions about the future of these areas.
Researchers have developed an interactive environment using multi-touch screen technology to help autistic children develop social skills beyond their anticipated levels. Children interact with virtual characters in real-time, allowing researchers to compare their reactions with those displayed in real-world situations.
Researchers from the Economic and Social Research Council's Genomics Network are exploring how society can develop an appetite for synthetic blood. They argue that it is vital to involve the public in discussions about biotechnology developments, including stem cell research and in vitro meat production.
Researchers found that cash transfers could fully compensate poor households for the price increase, while a 5% drop in general food prices did little to help. Governments can save money by using cash transfers instead of subsidies, which benefit all groups but distort food markets.
Research from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme found that average wellbeing levels among older people in South Africa and Brazil improved between 2002 and 2008 due to economic growth and social policies. Economic performance, labour market conditions, and pension income were key factors influencing improvement in wellbeing.
Researchers developed a software toolkit that enables students to conduct their own scientific experiments, analyzing data and reaching conclusions based on hypotheses. The nQuire software covers three key topics of the new science curriculum, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
A two-year study funded by ESRC explores how married couples make decisions, from daily routines to complex choices. The findings highlight the importance of supporting people with dementia in decision-making processes, considering their relationship dynamics and individual preferences.
Researchers have developed a three-stage strategy to enhance university-community engagement, focusing on social capital building. The approach aims to increase the impact of universities on excluded communities by linking academics with community groups, professionalizing activities, and spinning out initiatives into local communities.
A study reveals that universities in the south-east of England outperform those in less competitive regions in commercializing their research. Key findings show that these universities have a high concentration of innovative firms and Research and Development institutions, facilitating collaboration and knowledge transfer.
Research reveals that E. coli O157 can persist in the environment for over 15 weeks, making it essential for everyone to take precautions when visiting rural areas or consuming contaminated food and water. Farmers, visitors, and governments must adopt strategies to reduce risks and promote awareness about the dangers of this bacteria.