
The We Society
Beyond the politics, beyond our geography are the intangible connections that hold us together – The We Society.
The We Society podcast is here to tell you about the thousands of ways the Social Sciences can help us understand and enhance this complicated and fascinating human network.
What can we do to fix the NHS? How can we better manage climate change? How do we end the cost of living crisis?
Brought to you by the Academy of Social Sciences in association with the Nuffield Foundation and Leverhulme Trust, this podcast tackles the big questions through a social science lens and brings you some of the best ideas to shape the way we live.
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 25, 2025 • 29min
S8 Ep6: Borders, Brexit, and Fault Lines with Katy Hayward
Katy Hayward, a political sociologist at Queen’s University Belfast and an expert on Brexit and the Irish border, joins Will Hutton in a thought-provoking discussion. They explore how borders act as both fault lines and meeting points for diverse cultures. Katy highlights the complex interplay between Brexit and Northern Irish identity, addressing the repercussions of the Windsor Framework. They also talk about the historical significance of the Good Friday Agreement and what it means for future conflict resolution and cooperation in the region.

Jun 18, 2025 • 29min
S8 Ep5: Care or Incarceration? How some of the UK’s most vulnerable children are being failed with Lisa Harker
We speak with Lisa Harker, the Director of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, who gives us an insight into the alarming rise in the use of Deprivation of Liberty Orders on children.
She explains how vulnerable children, many born into poverty and facing complex needs, are increasingly subjected to severe restrictions on their freedom through these court orders. According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Justice, 1,280 children were subject to applications to deprive them of their liberty in 2024 in England and Wales.
Lisa and her team at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory have been researching the issue, and have even provided evidence to the UK Government on why this practice which resembles incarceration needs to stop.
The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory is an independent research body, funded by the Nuffield Foundation that improves the lives of children and families by putting data and evidence at the heart of the family justice system.
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.

Jun 11, 2025 • 30min
S8 Ep4: Taking entrepreneurship beyond business with Eleanor Shaw
Eleanor Shaw, a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Strathclyde, discusses the intersection of social science and entrepreneurship. She argues that entrepreneurial spirit emerges from addressing societal needs rather than just profit. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of community-focused entrepreneurs and challenges the myth of innate entrepreneurial skills. Shaw emphasizes inclusivity, advocating for diverse voices and equitable access in entrepreneurship, especially for women and minority groups, to drive positive change.

Jun 4, 2025 • 31min
S8 Ep3: Population, Data & Destiny with Andy Tatem
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.

12 snips
May 28, 2025 • 29min
S8 Ep2: Morality in UK prisons with Alison Liebling
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.

8 snips
May 21, 2025 • 33min
S8 Ep1: How to get work working for everyone with Gavin Kelly
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.

Feb 26, 2025 • 35min
S7 Ep7: Keep Calm and Chill with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
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.

15 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 31min
S7 Ep6: Improving social mobility through education and language with Lee Elliot Major
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.

10 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 28min
S7 Ep5: Tracking and stopping domestic abuse with Jane Monckton Smith
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.

7 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 29min
S7 Ep4: Should the 9 to 5 be a thing of the past? with Clare Kelliher and Brendan Burchell
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.