A new study found that reading negative newspaper articles about asylum seekers can lead to lower likelihood of granting asylum and negatively impact views on the group. Positive coverage has no similar positive impact, suggesting a lack of strong positive associations within British culture.
New research shows that chain stores' national pricing strategies can boost variety and choice for consumers, particularly in areas with lower average wages and older populations. This approach can also support public health policy by providing important options for consumers on lower earnings.
A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that senior civil service managers have struggled to resolve information-sharing issues, leading to a need for standardized best practices. The research identified key challenges in balancing media and public concerns with data protection legislation and professional codes.
A study by Sheffield Hallam University found that middle class residents impose their tastes on the housing field, while working-class residents are limited to poorer areas. The 'tyranny of suburbia' is characterized by the dominance of middle class suburbanites, who are able to move up the housing chain through their economic means.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is investing £17 million in its three genomics research centers: CESAGen, EGENIS, and Innogen. These funding announcements will support interdisciplinary research on the social, economic, and policy aspects of genomics from 2007 to 2012.
A recent ESRC study found that community regeneration professionals' commitment and resilience are deeply rooted in their early life experiences. The study highlights the importance of community development activities in regeneration areas and the need for policy makers and managers to grasp the distinction between capacities and skills.
The booklet highlights the importance of ICT for voluntary and community organizations, emphasizing that online volunteering and communities are not substitutes for onsite activities. Local ICT initiatives can support social capital development in communities, but require ongoing technical and funding support to survive.
Researchers from Oxford University have identified a 'vicious triangle' in the way central government assesses performance and need, leading to a Catch-22 situation for public service providers. This contradictory regime governs local authorities, causing confusion and inconsistent funding outcomes.
A new study found that specific, informative strategies are more effective than fear-based methods in changing people's intentions and behavior. The research identified the most frequently used strategies as prompting practice, setting goals, and generating self-talk.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council finds that childless women, mothers of five or more children, teenage mothers, and those with short birth intervals have higher risks of death and poor health. Partnership and parenting experiences are crucial in influencing later life health.
Research from the ESRC Families and Social Capital Research Group found that most parents do not need professional advice to raise their children. Instead, they prefer concrete services. The study also highlighted strong family bonds among working-class and ethnic minority families.
The UK faces high financial and personal costs due to occupational ill health and injury. A new approach is needed to address the issue, requiring collaboration between employers, employees, and policymakers.
Researchers argue that emotions, rather than reason, drive public distrust in institutions. The study reveals that concerns about risk are directly linked to lack of knowledge and emotional dread. Building trust requires transparency and reporting back after public consultations.
Despite an increase in drug development for killer diseases, researchers argue that more incentives and access guarantees are needed to address the lack of economic demand. The rise of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is also cited as a contributing factor.
Research finds British Army wives more resilient than their husbands in military life, with 88% wanting them to stay after deployment. Despite work-life tensions, wives prioritize financial security and feel better equipped to cope than husbands.
Genomic technologies hold potential to improve nutritional content and resistance of food crops, but their impact on world hunger depends on efficient exchange of knowledge and experience. Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for harnessing these technologies.
A study found that managers in the UK food industry prioritize consumer concerns about food safety and hygiene risks over rules and regulations. The survey of 204 individuals across various businesses revealed a high degree of confusion about state regulators and their roles, with locally-based environmental health officers perceived a...
A survey of 1,337 individuals found that around half of self-employed pension scheme members have used their website, resulting in increased access to pension information and education. Many scheme members value their pension website, with the greatest benefit being improved confidence in making pension enquiries and decisions.
Men do not adopt a 'female model' of parenthood with part-time work and high levels of child care. Fathers prioritize flexible work arrangements to accommodate family life, rather than reducing their working hours. Current policies may not address fathers' needs for adaptability.
A UK study found that bank loan officers' biased gender perceptions affect lending decisions for female entrepreneurs. The research suggests changes are needed in training for bank employees and women entrepreneurs to address these biases.
Research by Professor Mary James and the Teaching and Learning Research Programme found that teachers are unhappy with the pressures of high-stakes exams and tests, which prioritize targets over teaching for learning. Only 20% of teachers felt able to put effective teaching for learning before meeting performance targets.
A nationwide neighbourhood classification system has been developed using Experian data warehouse and public sources. The system allows users to tap in their postcodes to find out about the likely use of ICTs in their neighbourhoods or those of their friends. Members can also email comments and suggestions.
A recent study reveals that volunteering in deprived communities develops individuals' self-confidence, builds a sense of belonging, and enhances social capital. Most volunteers are motivated by an ethic of care, rather than career development or training for the labour market.
The UK fuel cell industry lags behind others due to underdeveloped supply chains and limited government support. In contrast, Germany has established a robust industry with technological excellence and active government incentives.
Researchers developed an Alcohol Attention-Control Training Programme (AACTP) that helps excessive drinkers reduce their drinking by distracting them from alcohol stimuli. The programme, which consists of four sessions, showed significant reductions in alcohol consumption and maintained results at a three-month follow-up.
A new study finds that women who work long hours are more prone to eating high-fat, high-sugar snacks, exercising less, and consuming more caffeine. Meanwhile, men tend to experience no negative effects from working longer hours on their exercise habits, caffeine intake, or smoking.
Research empowers children to improve their local community, boosting academic and social development. Children played a leading role in designing the process, collecting data, drawing conclusions, and suggesting changes.
The proposed reforms aim to restrict entry to workers whose skills will benefit the UK, but critics warn they may increase exploitation and human trafficking. Migrant workers already make up over 12% of high-income countries' workforces, often in low-skilled jobs.
Researchers discovered that children who excel at blowing bubbles also tend to have better language skills. The study tested over 120 children aged 21 months using a range of assessments, including questionnaires, special tests, and recording their spontaneous speech.
Recent study reveals social anthropology Ph.D. holders are highly employable, working outside academia in various fields, including international development and tech companies. Their special skills of observation and critical analysis are valuable assets in these settings.
A study of 31 young men in inner London found that engaging in unhealthy masculine behaviors can harm health, while positive behaviors like sport can have a positive impact. The research calls for greater understanding of attitudes to masculinity in health promotion.
The ESRC report reveals high demand for social science PhD holders in various sectors beyond academia. The study highlights the crucial importance of equipping UK social scientists with core research and professional skills.
Researchers emphasize the need for modern definitions of 'family' due to changing household and family structures, including rising cohabitation, divorce, and re-partnering. The report highlights the importance of considering complex living arrangements beyond traditional household units.
Researchers found that infants can group visual stimuli by brightness, shape, and proximity at four months, challenging previous assumptions about individual differences in attention. This discovery has implications for understanding cognitive development and potential interventions for developmental disorders.
A study by the University of Sussex and ESRC found that radical niche initiatives in wind energy, organic food, and eco-housing significantly influenced mainstream activities. Although activists' original ideas were not fully adopted, their influence contributed to the development of climate change solutions.
A study by Professor Simon Parker and Olufunmilola Ajaji-obe found that self-employed people in the UK work long hours but report higher job satisfaction compared to employees. The researchers also discovered that younger entrepreneurs are more sensitive to new information than older ones, which can impact their retirement decisions.
A £920,000 ESRC-funded research venture aims to investigate the effects of gambling on those involved and the broader community. The study will examine social contexts for problem gambling, internet gambling, brain responses, and family life, with the goal of developing policies and services to prevent problem gamblers.
A study compares the impact of information and communications technologies (ICTs) with that of steam power in the 19th century. The research found that globalization leads to both losses and gains, with industries based on strong clusters of activity surviving low wage foreign competition.
A year-long study found that children's learning of Welsh depends on factors such as parental involvement, community speaker numbers, and media use. The majority of parents want their children to learn Welsh, but commitment varies.
Research finds comprehensive schooling neither benefits nor hinders social mobility, with changes in jobs and employment structures playing a key role. Inequality trends are slowing, but policies like redistributive social democracy can reduce inequalities of mobility.
Research by Professor John Clarke found that public service users and providers view services as distinct from market-based transactions, prioritizing personal relationships over choice. Users seek skilled, trustworthy staff and reliable assistance during critical life events.
A UK study reveals a correlation between women's stress levels and their career ambitions, while also highlighting the benefits of Portugal's more family-friendly policies. The research suggests that women in Britain face limited access to quality childcare and domestic help, leading to increased work-life conflict.
Researchers found that a friendly-but-firm police presence, combined with preventing known troublemakers from travelling, led to an almost incident-free tournament. The study's 'low profile' tactics are credited with fostering peace among fans and reducing hooliganism.
A study by Laura Potts found that opinions on breast cancer causes are divided, with theories citing genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. The research team recommends building common ground for preventative policies amidst concerns about government inaction.
Researchers analyzed anonymous input from 1,253 prisoners, finding a high frequency of prison bullying and victimization among the same individuals. The study challenged current theories about bullying in prisons and schools, suggesting that bullying is not limited to specific personality types.
The study found that 70% of teachers incorporated computers into their classroom practices after working with researchers. Effective use of ICT enhances the teacher's role, improves the learning environment, and increases student engagement. However, many teachers lack confidence in using technology due to limited training.
The study found that children of this age learn through role play and imaginative play, but pressures on time and space make it difficult to fit into the curriculum. Outdoor play spaces are essential to capture and engage their interest, allowing for sustained and complex imaginative play.
A study by Professor Andrew Gamble found that child trust funds are an important and unusual universal benefit. Young people strongly support the principle of capital grants but want greater restrictions on how money is spent, with a focus on higher education and starting a business.
Climate change could increase crop yields and improve livestock farming in Scotland, but the impact depends on the extent of CAP reform. Regional variations in climate change effects were found, with lowland south-west Scotland likely to benefit most from increased farm income.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that children raised by two religious parents are more likely to reject the church, but not necessarily due to a lack of faith. The report argues that institutional religion has a 'half-life' of one generation and that individual differences in faith play a significant role.