The We Society

Professor Andy Tatem talks to us about WorldPop, the research programme he heads that is based in the School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton. The team at WorldPop uses satellite imagery and mobile phone data to map population distributions in areas of the Global South and this data is used by governments for resource allocation and policy-making.  In this episode, Andy shares case studies emphasising the impact of timely data on healthcare decisions in countries like Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan. He talks through the ethical considerations in data collection and his vision to supplement traditional censuses, in a bid to empower marginalised communities through better-informed decision-making. Join acclaimed journalist and Academy president Will Hutton, as he invites guests from the world of social science to explore the stories behind the news and hear their solutions to society’s most pressing problems. Don’t want to miss an episode? Follow the show on your favourite podcast platform and you can email us on wesociety@acss.org.uk and tell us who we should be speaking to.  The We Society podcast is brought to you by the Academy of Social Sciences in association with the Nuffield Foundation and the Leverhulme Trust. 

In this engaging discussion, Alison Liebling, Professor of Criminology at the University of Cambridge, delves into the UK prison system's complexities. She highlights the crucial role of prison officers, advocating for the importance of empathy and respect in fostering safety. Liebling shares groundbreaking research linking moral values to prison outcomes, while also envisioning a shift towards rehabilitation and restorative justice. The conversation underscores the urgent need for reform and community-based solutions that prioritize humane treatment and moral understanding.

Gavin Kelly, Chief Executive of the Nuffield Foundation, has dedicated 30 years to tackling Britain's economic inactivity. He highlights the alarming rise in NEET youth and its connection to mental health issues, advocating for urgent policy changes. Kelly calls for targeted interventions to address educational disparities and support at-risk young people, while also discussing the employment challenges faced by individuals with health conditions. His insights emphasize the need for inclusive practices to prepare for the evolving workforce demands.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African Director General of the World Trade Organization, shares her insights on global trade amidst rising tariffs. She discusses the personal impact of her mother's kidnapping in Nigeria and highlights the importance of ethical leadership. The conversation also addresses the challenges women face in leadership roles and the need for supportive networks. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasizes embracing digital trade for inclusive growth, advocating for collaborative solutions in global economic dynamics.

Lee Elliot Major, Britain's first professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter, discusses crucial ideas from his book, Equity in Education. He emphasizes a shift in perspective, arguing that children should be seen as under-resourced rather than disadvantaged. The conversation highlights the alarming decline in social mobility since 1980 and critiques existing education systems. Major calls for transformative educational reforms, embracing diverse talents, and addresses global challenges in achieving equity, ultimately advocating for a dialogue change to tackle socioeconomic disparities.

In this discussion, Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, a respected forensic criminologist and former police officer, delves into the deep-rooted patterns of domestic abuse. She emphasizes that domestic homicide is often mischaracterized as a crime of passion rather than a culmination of ongoing abuse. Throughout the conversation, she explores the dynamics of male entitlement and the societal factors that perpetuate violence against women. Jane also highlights her Homicide Timeline tool, crucial for law enforcement to identify risk patterns in abusive relationships.

Clare Kelliher, a Professor at Cranfield School of Management, and Brendan Burchell, a Professor at the University of Cambridge, dive into the future of work. They discuss the decline of the traditional 9 to 5 model, advocating for a four-day workweek as a path to enhanced productivity and employee satisfaction. The duo shares success stories from organizations that have embraced this shift, while addressing challenges like mental health and equity in flexible work arrangements. Their insights paint an optimistic picture of the evolving workplace.

Sir Robert Chote, former head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Office for Budget Responsibility, now chairs the UK Statistics Authority. He discusses the critical roles of these institutions in shaping UK economic policy and managing budget forecasts. Chote addresses the challenges of post-COVID fiscal management, emphasizing data transparency in decision-making. He shares insights on key drivers for economic growth like education and infrastructure while reflecting on his transition from journalism to policy-making, blending humor with serious analysis.

In this conversation, Anthony Elliot, a Professor of Sociology at the University of South Australia, discusses his insights on the social impact of artificial intelligence and his new book, 'Algorithms of Anxiety, Fear in the Digital Age.' He reveals how AI is revolutionizing industries but also poses risks like job displacement and biases. The dialogue emphasizes the urgent need for ethical regulations and equitable technology use. Elliot also examines AI's role in shaping democracy, highlighting the balance between transparency and misinformation.

Join Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, as he discusses the retreat of liberal democracy amidst rising nationalism. He highlights the fragility of global institutions, critiquing Europe's self-image and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. Menon dives into the complexities of Brexit, emphasizing trade dynamics with the EU and shifts in voter patterns among ethnic minorities in the UK. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on how social science can navigate these pressing issues in today's political landscape.