Research suggests shared residence isn't always better for children, with rivalries and over-controlling parents causing harm. Flexible approaches respecting young people's changing needs are recommended instead.
New research reveals that children from post-divorce families are not necessarily better off with equal parenting time. Step-families are growing rapidly, with nearly 20% of dads aged 34 being step-fathers. Caribbean families in Britain increasingly celebrate Kwaanza as a holiday tradition.
Kwaanza, a spiritual and family-based celebration, is gaining popularity among Caribbean communities as an alternative to Christmas. Young people from the region express cynicism towards Christmas's emphasis on consumer culture, instead embracing Kwaanza's focus on family unity and community.
Research by Dr David Voas reveals that the people of Hereford are the strongest Christmas churchgoers in Britain, with more than 10% taking to the pews during the festival. In contrast, Manchester and Guildford have much lower attendance figures, with fewer than 2% of people attending Anglican services at Christmas.
A unique three-year project found that genetic screening can lead to uncertainty and anxiety among individuals at risk, while those with symptoms face difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Researchers call for urgent attention from health policymakers to address these issues and ensure accessible care.
Researchers found significant variations in GCSE exam entries between schools, driven by subject departments' performance and social background of peers, rather than school type or socio-economic status.
Researchers investigated cultivation, conservation, and restoration activities in UK urban areas, highlighting ecological diversity and social connections between people and nature. The study calls for a redistribution of expertise to tap local skills and knowledge in green space management.
Research funded by ESRC found that organisations with informal contact networks are more flexible and effective in responding to environmental crises. Informal networking broadens knowledge, establishes trust and enables quicker decision-making in emergencies.
A study found that French prisons, despite aiming for religious neutrality, foster racism and discrimination against Muslim prisoners. In contrast, English prisons offer better treatment due to Christian chaplaincy and policies favoring integration of ethnic minorities.
Researchers found little appetite among South East politicians and business leaders for a regional assembly, citing concerns over regulation and the failure of previous attempts like the Greater London Assembly. The region's strong economy and lack of need for government intervention may be contributing factors to this reluctance.
A study by Dr Helen Newing found that government development policies are the main threat to forest conservation projects, rather than local communities. Community-led conservation approaches have been successful in protecting biodiversity, but lack of government support and bureaucratic hurdles hinder their effectiveness.
Researchers studied recreational telephone conferences for socializing among elderly individuals and found they greatly valued the social contact provided. The study identified key factors of 'flow' in conversation that indicate enjoyment during socializing.
The UK's productivity gap with the US, France, and Germany is substantial, driven by factors such as capital investment, skills, and innovation. Research suggests that improving competition, investing in physical and human capital, and enhancing management skills can help bridge the gap.
The Adult Learning@Home project found that e-learning is often associated with the same factors that determine school-leaving age, such as sex and socio-economic background. Despite universal access to ICTs, actual use is limited to just over half of the adult population.
Researchers discovered that enthusiastic lecturers and effective study skills are key factors in creating more maths graduates. Students who struggled with the subject often had poor lecturers and inadequate support, leading to a decrease in motivation.
A recent study found that teenage girls are more likely than boys to start smoking, with 31% of girls and 16% of boys aged 15-16 regularly indulging. The researchers suggest that positive attitudes towards smoking, living with smokers, and having friends who smoke may contribute to this trend.
The book Uncertain Vision provides an extraordinary analysis of the BBC during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including its response to government oversight and its pioneering digital platform. It argues that the Birt era's policies led to a decline in creativity and quality of British television.
Research finds that areas with high levels of informal voluntary activity enjoy better health, higher GCSE grades, and lower crime rates. Volunteering is also strongly linked to overall life satisfaction and happiness, with some communities recording the highest percentages of people satisfied with their lives.
A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that a moral judgment played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on the Iraq War, with nearly two-thirds of variation in approval or disapproval attributed to factors such as rational analysis of British interests, moral judgement, and political identity. The study also s...
A recent study by Professor Alex Haslam and Dr. Michelle Ryan found that men's perceptions of the 'glass cliff' effect, where women take riskier positions, are influenced by pride and prejudice. Women tend to believe they are more suited for crisis management and leadership roles, while men view them as expendable.
Researchers found that UK universities' focus on creating businesses rather than generating wealth is a significant issue. The success rate of university spin-out companies (USOs) is currently much lower than expected, with only a few spin-outs being sold or floated on the stock market.
A study by Professor Gill Jones found that young adults are facing difficulties in achieving independence due to financial constraints, with many relying on parental support. The study highlights the need for clear family law and government policies to address this issue, which affects both middle-class and working-class young people.
A new study found that children walk almost as much as their grandparents did in the 1940s, with over 75% of 17/18-year-old trips taking place on foot. The researchers suggest transport policy should prioritize pedestrians' needs.
A one-year study found that specialists in dysmorphology are recognized by their peers for knowledge and authority, despite the increasing use of genetic testing. Laboratory tests do not replace clinical expertise, but rather complement it with techniques such as photographs and family trees.
A study found that people increasingly expect standardised temperatures and levels of ventilation, driving industry trends towards air conditioning. Design decisions early on shape future comfort regimes, suggesting a need for changes throughout the design process to promote sustainable environments.
A study found that UK small firms often prioritize short-term gains over sustainability, with many believing it's not a priority for customers. The research suggests regulatory measures may be necessary to drive change within the sector.
Research finds that flood policy shifts are often driven by prevailing attitudes, technological resources and social values, not just crisis responses. Policymakers must consider these complex influences when planning for future events.
Research led by Professor Tadj Oreszczyn found that half as much white light as yellow is needed for facial recognition, with significant energy savings. The study also highlighted the link between crime fear and age, recommending a change to UK urban lighting standards.
The ESRC Social Science Week conference explores the Sahara's past, present, and future, highlighting the impact of Western and local military intelligence services on indigenous peoples. Jeremy Keenan claims increasing evidence shows military agencies fabricate terrorist incidents, putting Tuareg lives at risk.
A study by Professor Simon Holdaway found that chief officers and black police association Chairs have different ideas on 'institutional racism', with a focus on personal experiences of racism. Most minority ethnic officers agree their constabulary is institutionally racist, but the causes and effects differ between groups.
Experts will argue that refugees and their families contribute significantly to British life, bringing incalculable social and economic benefits. The discussion aims to correct common misconceptions about refugees and highlight their skills and talent.
A new study examines the complex relationships between pagans, historians, and heritage managers at Stonehenge. The research reveals a need for open and transparent dialogue to address conflicting demands and interests.
Research reveals that autistic children can access and analyze musical details more readily than typically developing children. A subgroup of participants achieved impressive scores, even without prior musical training.
Research finds that people trust health professionals and are cautious about online health information, yet appreciate recommendations from healthcare providers. E-health resources enhance control and reassurance for parents and children managing chronic diseases.
New research finds that Labour has devolved policy-making to Scottish and Welsh forums, giving greater power to trades unions and producer interests. The Liberal Democrats have a more structured approach, introducing national policies in the devolved administrations.
A study led by Dr Joanne Entwistle highlights the importance of fashion buyers' knowledge in translating market identity into products. The research focused on a large department store's women's wear team, finding that building markets and consumers is essential for success.
A study comparing French and British pension systems reveals that France's ARRCO organization provides secure pension guarantees through a national umbrella structure. In contrast, the UK's reliance on private sector pensions has led to inadequate protection for women and vulnerable workers.
Research by Professor Christopher Martin and Dr George Bratsiotis finds that monetary policy significantly reduces unemployment rates. The studies suggest that wage rises have a greater detrimental impact on employment levels when monetary policies aim to stabilize inflation, contradicting union views.
The UK pension system is under pressure as an aging population and changes in private provision impact state and individual savings. The current system appears sustainable due to reduced generosity and reliance on means-testing, but may face challenges if people reduce private savings.
A UK study suggests that working-age adults and social services professionals acknowledge people's interdependency and fundamental human rights, yet favor individual responsibility for support from the state. The Human Rights Act's impact on the welfare state is also explored.
A new study finds that parallel trade in pharmaceuticals has a negative impact on the UK economy, with estimated losses of £290 million to manufacturers. The study concludes that the short-term benefits for consumers are outweighed by the long-term costs to innovation and investment in research and development.
The study reveals that the UK is a highly desirable place to work due to career advancement opportunities directly related to excellence. In contrast, Italy faces brain drain issues due to under-funding, patronage, and protectionism in its academic environment.
A study by Professor Michael Waterson found that fast food chains like McDonald's and Burger King locate closely together in shopping districts due to competition. The larger the population area, the sooner a McDonald's outlet opens, but this effect diminishes as population increases.
A study by Dr Moira Inghilleri highlights the complexities of interpreter roles in asylum applications, highlighting varying approaches and inconsistent demands. This can lead to substantial confusion about interpreters' roles, affecting asylum outcomes.
A study found that caffeine consumption can heighten feelings of stress in men, particularly when working on collaborative tasks. However, caffeine also reduced ratings of stress in women and improved performance in some individuals. The researchers suggest that coffee breaks may backfire in business situations, especially for men.
Researchers developed simple systems to analyze website user behavior, enabling accurate forecasts of future buying patterns. The study applied these models to a UK information website and an online CD retailer, demonstrating their potential for improving marketing and advertising strategies.
A review of sociological research on family relationships highlights two dominant accounts: one emphasizing family breakdown and moral decline, while the other focuses on transformation and democratization. Despite this, a third perspective argues that there has been little substantial change in personal ties and obligations.
A study suggests that women are more likely to turn to their GPs than the internet when seeking information about HRT. Despite increased access to health information online, many women lack 'information literacy' and struggle to navigate online resources.
Research reveals a gap between national and local elites' views on EU membership. Local officials and business people feel the accession process is irrelevant to them, posing challenges for implementing agreed conditions of EU membership.
The study reveals that boys offend more seriously than girls, but are also more likely to be victims of crime at a younger age. Young people who engage in risky behaviors together are more likely to both commit offenses and become victims.