In Malawi, public radio has become an unlikely platform for ordinary people to air their grievances about abuse and corruption. The Nkhani Zam'maboma programme features contributions by villagers, highlighting local development success stories that often reveal complaints about leaders' behaviour. This approach highlights the complexit...
A new study by Dr Anne McMunn and researchers from the International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health found that working mothers have no significant negative impact on their children's social and emotional development. In fact, children with both parents in paid employment showed better socio-emotional outcomes than ...
Research reveals most children with SCD do not feel supported by schools in catching up on absences from class. Schools are often divided on whether others should know a pupil has the condition, fearing it may intensify bullying.
A study by Understanding Society reveals that individuals with long-term debilitating physical illnesses exhibit similar mental well-being as those without such conditions. The research, based on data from 40,000 UK households, also shows that over half of those experiencing high levels of distress report positive overall mental health.
A UK study examining ethnicity and health found that men from most minority groups and women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups are more likely to eat the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables daily. However, these groups also tend to be less physically active. The research suggests that policies targeting physical activi...
A new study has found significant variations in privacy regulations across countries, driven by local context and institutional arrangements. The research suggests that events like 9/11 have had a lasting impact on privacy regulation, leading to common solutions at the European level.
A study by Cardiff University found that men are anxious about money and take financial risks to ensure their children don't miss out. The economic downturn has led to a step backwards in shared parenting, with some men working longer hours or away from home.
Researchers from the UK, South Africa, and China are collaborating on 12 Pathfinder projects to address global challenges. The joint data project aims to provide new perspectives on UK issues and tackle topics such as wellbeing, social mobility, and economic growth.
A recent study reveals that charities in England receive significant public funding, with 70% of organisations working with socially excluded or vulnerable people relying on government support. The study also highlights regional variations and uneven distribution of public funding across the sector.
A study found that older smokers and men are more likely to successfully quit than younger and female smokers, despite women attending more smoking cessation services. Pregnant women and disadvantaged groups face unique challenges in quitting, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Children with specific language impairment (SLI) face difficulties with language, grammar, vocabulary, literacy, short-term memory, and higher-order thinking skills. Teachers can employ various techniques to help them learn more effectively.
A new international task force aims to promote fair pay and develop organisational capacity in lower-income countries. Research found significant disparities between local and expatriate aid workers' salaries, pushing local employees below the poverty line and contributing to 'brain drain'.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that public sector prisons tend to have more experienced staff, but also face uniformed staff jadedness and cynicism. Private prisons, however, showed strengths in policing and control, organization, and prisoner development when staff were well-trained and used authority...
A UK study found that 81% of single homeless people lived independently 18 months after resettlement, with most reporting improved lives and rebuilding their relationships. Help from tenancy-support workers was crucial in the first months of resettlement.
Research finds UK betting shops are drawing in a new type of customer, particularly young males and ethnic minority groups, with the use of fixed odds betting terminals. These machines are associated with higher risks of problem gambling due to their fast-paced nature and high stakes.
Young people aged 10-15 report being happier with family situations when mothers are happy, but only 55% of unhappy mothers' kids are 'completely happy'. The happiest children live with two parents without younger siblings and have a positive relationship with their mother.
Young people value their mothers' care, empathy and ability to have fun with them. They also appreciate her influence in their lives and admire her resilience and dedication.
Researchers investigated how older women feel about their representation in media and society, finding complex emotions and transformative experiences. The project encouraged women to create alternative images using photography, art therapy, and video techniques, leading to increased confidence and self-acceptance among participants.
A recent survey of over 22,000 individuals found that those with higher education levels are more willing to pay for environmentally-friendly products, but less likely to make small changes to their daily habits.
Research reveals that Red Nose Day's success lies in its ability to harness public enthusiasm, but major appeals do not contribute to long-term charity giving. Household donations have increased over the past two decades, with 28% of households donating in 2008 compared to 32% in 1978.
A UK study found that people with higher levels of education and married individuals report better sleep quality. Additionally, job satisfaction plays a significant role in determining the quality of sleep, with those who are least satisfied reporting shorter sleep periods. The study also highlights the impact of work-related pressures...
The UK survey found that employment status significantly affects financial and life satisfaction. Young people exhibit different patterns, with economic inactivity linked to higher life satisfaction.
A study of 40,000 UK households reveals that children living in households with the bottom fifth income have similar average life satisfaction scores as those in the top fifth. Family relationships, particularly mother-child relationships, play a significant role in determining young people's happiness.
The £46 million study will track the lives of over 90,000 UK babies and their families, examining factors such as social disadvantage, environmental pollutants, and parenting style. The research aims to understand how biological and environmental influences shape children's health, development, and future life chances.
The Understanding Society publication offers a comprehensive snapshot of UK households, exploring regional, national and international change. Key findings include sibling bullying, employment status and well-being, environmental behavior, relationships between partners, and income.
The UK's largest household longitudinal study has published its early findings, providing a glimpse into the lives of 40,000 households. The study's breadth of topics and large sample size offer opportunities for diverse research on social networks, health, well-being, and more.
A recent study found that couples who are educated to degree level, have no children, and have been together for less than five years tend to be the happiest. Factors such as age, gender, and employment status also play a significant role in determining relationship happiness.
The pharmaceutical industry is approaching a tipping point due to its lengthy and expensive regulatory system. Smarter regulation could provide the necessary flexibility to respond to new scientific discoveries, leading to more efficient development of innovative products.
Researchers investigate how ritual contributes to intergroup conflict and violence in various regions, including Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Nepal, and Colombia. The project aims to better understand the forces that drive human groups, informing conflict prevention and resolution efforts.
The Open Research Area Scheme in Europe has successfully funded joint projects addressing key social and economic issues like climate change, child welfare, and market uncertainty. Researchers will study public attitudes to climate change, critically review children's policies, and develop new forecasting methods for economic processes.
The ESRC report 'Recovery Britain' examines challenges to the UK's economic recovery, including innovation, trade, finance for small businesses, management practices, and financial regulation. The report provides 20 key challenge areas and policy solutions.
The 'Older People's Use of Unfamiliar Space' project examines strategies used by older people to find their way in unfamiliar spaces. Designing outdoor spaces that are more easily navigable and walkable is crucial in reducing stress levels, with buildings and landmarks serving as key navigational aids.
A new software tool visualizes biomechanical data to help professionals understand and address mobility challenges. This improves diagnostic, therapeutic, communication, and education procedures, leading to better-designed products and healthcare strategies. The tool has the potential to enhance quality of life for older people.
A study using location awareness technologies found that older adults spend most of their day sitting or lying, with only a small percentage engaging in walking activities. The findings highlight the importance of providing effective transport networks and local services to support mobility.
A study finds that South African children caring for AIDS-sick parents experience high levels of mental illness, including depression and anxiety. The young carers' education is also affected, with 41% missing school to care for their sick parents.
A study by the University of Kent found that Black Africans in Britain face significant integration challenges, with Somalis and Congolese communities being particularly disadvantaged. The research highlights the need for targeted support, including language skills and job training, to help these groups integrate into society.
A survey of UK businesses found that they partner with researchers for service development, human resource management, training, and marketing. Academics also engage in a wide range of knowledge exchange activities, but face constraints such as lack of time and resources.
The study found that stricter limitations on land development lead to higher rental and purchase prices, while people saving for a house in markets with limited land availability need larger down payments and buy houses later in life. The research also suggests that relaxing borrowing constraints increases home ownership rates
The UK aims to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 with a focus on community-based initiatives. Seven projects have received funding to address energy demand and promote sustainable practices in communities across the country.
The study found no link between ethnic diversity and high levels of perceived antisocial behaviour, contradicting previous research. Residents in ethnically diverse areas were actually less likely to believe the national crime rate was increasing.
A recent analysis of wind farm applications in England reveals that rejection is often linked to high political engagement and life expectancy. This trend encourages commercial developers to focus on remote or deprived communities, exacerbating economic fragility.
The UK youth justice system disproportionately affects black and mixed-race youths through proactive policing methods. Researchers found that different policing styles led to varying arrest rates and outcomes for suspects, with more professional approaches resulting in fewer arrests of minority groups.
The AACTP and LEAP programmes address challenges faced by excessive drinkers, including preoccupation with drinking and motivation difficulties. The study shows that these programmes significantly decrease weekly alcohol consumption and increase participants' confidence in resisting high-risk situations.
The vizLib project analyzed data from 450,000 library users in Leicestershire, revealing unprecedented insights into the behavior of service users. The graphic partnership informs policy decisions and inspires greater interest among policymakers and the public.
A recent study found that only 30% of primary schools in the UK have a Disability Equality Scheme (DES) in place to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people. The research also showed that children often misunderstand disability and its implications, with many believing that disabled people cannot marry or have children.
The event promotes positive attitudes on ageing, using new technologies to improve elderly independence and wellbeing. Events include 'Improving everyday life' and 'Dementia: Don't fear it', discussing loneliness, dementia, and ageism.
The event aims to enrich knowledge and understanding of life in St. Ann's by sharing personal experiences and exploring key local issues such as drug use, poverty, and social division. Interactive workshops and talks will be held on topics including immigration, the war on terror, and sex trafficking.
The Exploring Privacy: Your Privacy and the Internet event aims to raise awareness about online privacy through a multi-media presentation and audience discussion. The event is part of the Festival of Social Science, which celebrates British social science research.
Researchers from Moors for the Future Partnership are using techniques like re-establishing heather plants, rebuilding paths, and gully blocking to reduce erosion. These methods aim to absorb around 400,000 tonnes of carbon a year, equivalent to 1.1 billion car miles or 84,000 family-sized cars.
The ESRC Festival of Social Science showcases how research impacts our lives, with events on social marketing, family policy, and consuming nature. The festival features over 130 events across the UK, ranging from lectures to debates and performances.