Information

Stay informed about pressing social issues and their effects on communities and relationships. Explore our unique perspective on challenges including environmental concerns, race, religious and cultural interactions, class, and gender.

Understanding the social landscape

We provide a comprehensive view of current social issues, tailored for students, researchers, policy makers, professionals, practitioners, and the general public. Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of these complex challenges and their widespread impact.

 

  • What is the social significance, if any, of the recent abdication of Prince Andrew from his royal title as Duke of York? What are the implications for the royal family?

 

  • SNP to introduce network of 7-day GP walk-in services in Scotland.  If managed properly, this should significantly widen access to healthcare services in Scotland.  The initiative should be lauded and supported.

Environmental challenges

Explore the latest research and analysis on environmental issues, from climate change and pollution to deforestation and resource depletion. Understand the social and economic impacts of these challenges on communities worldwide.

     

    • Massive 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan causing thousands of deaths and injuries and significant damage.

     

    • In August, the European Union announced that this year is the worst on record for wildfires within the block. 

     

    • As the debate about global warming continues, a number of significant ecological disasters have rocked the planet including deadly storms, floods, wildfires and earthquakes. How, if at all, has man contributed to these disasters? How can he help to avert or correct them?

     

    • Unusual searing heat during the summer with a number of heat-related deaths in Europe. 

     

    • Temperatures kept rising in Europe throughout the summer with the UK repeatedly recording hottest days of the Year!  Evidence of accelerating global warming?  

     

    • At the Oceans Conference in Nice, France in June, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that we mustn't  allow the oceans to become another "wild west", criticizing Donald Trump's plan to  mine the deep sea.  Gutteres' warning was echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who declared that the "oceans are not for sale".

       

    • The key goal of the conference was to secure agreement to bring into force the proposed "High Seas Treaty", - a treaty designed to put 30% of the oceans into protected areas, which was already negotiated in 2023 and ratified by 60 countries. 

     

    • In May, on the eve of his 99th Birthday, environmental expert and activist David Attenborough told Prince William that he was appalled by the damage that was being done to the ocean floor by certain commercial fishing methods, describing it as "unspeakably awful".

     

    • The UK's sea temperatures were already unnaturally high in spring and continued to rise throughout the summer.  Impacts of climate change? 

        

        • The call in June by UN experts for the Council of Europe to recognize "the right to a healthy environment" specifically targets a "Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment", and is a Follow up on an Appeal in November 2024 by UN Special Rapporteurs urging the body to address the triple planetary crisis of intertwined climate change, biodiversity loss, and toxic pollution.

         

        Race, religion & cultural interactions

        Delve into the complexities of race, religion, and cultural interactions. We offer insights into issues of discrimination, inequality, and social justice, as well as the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society.

         

         

         

        • Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv banned from upcoming Europa League game. UK government trying to reverse the ban. Again politics interfering with sports/cultural interactions.

           

          • The Netherlands joins Ireland in deciding to withdraw their participation in Eurovision if Israel is allowed to participate.  But how many powerful European nations will take similar action? 

             

            • Why is a non-European nation - Israel, allowed to take part in the Euro-Vision Song Contest? What does this have to do with political economy?  It's clearly neither a social, geographical or cultural decision.

             

            • Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv banned from upcoming Europa League game. UK government trying to reverse the ban. Again politics interfering with sports/cultural interactions.

             

            • The Netherlands has now joined Ireland in deciding to withdraw their participation in next May's Eurovision competition if Israel is allowed to participate.  On Friday, September 12th the Dutch broadcaster announced it's decision to support the action taken by the Irish on Thursday.  We hope more European states, including the UK, will be bold enough to support this action.

             

            • Ireland has just announced that it will not participate in the next Euro Vision Contest, scheduled to be held next May in Vienna, Austria, if Israel is allowed to participate.  The Irish are taking a very strong stand as a result of the ongoing atrocities - including daily murder of innocent civilians, forced starvation, deliberate destruction of property including civilian homes and hospitals, and the gradual seizure of land,  being committed by Israel in Gaza.  This is a very principled and brave stand to take, but very necessary. But how many powerful European nations will take similar action?  European nations have refused to participate in any social or cultural event in which Russians are included because of Russia's military aggression and crimes in Ukraine. Why don't they have the balls to take similar action against Israel?

             

             

            Class & gender dynamics

            Examine the social and economic dynamics of class and gender. Our resources explore issues such as income inequality, gender pay gaps, and access to opportunities, providing a critical perspective on these important social issues.