The We Society

In the final episode of Season 8 of the We Society, our host Will Hutton is joined by economist and former Labour politician Ed Balls, Dr. Anna Stansbury, a researcher in labour and macroeconomics from MIT, and Dan Turner, Chief Research Officer for the Office of Gordon and Sarah Brown focused on national and regional inequalities.  All three have recently collaborated on research to do with regional inequality in the UK and the lessons the UK can learn from Bidenomics.  In this conversation, they discuss the worsening regional disparities in productivity, income, and overall economic performance within the UK, particularly highlighting the stark contrast between the economic conditions in London and the South East compared to cities like Nottingham, Manchester, and Birmingham.   The traditional narrative of the North-South divide, which primarily focused on employment levels and unemployment rates, has evolved. Instead, the emphasis has now shifted towards productivity, revealing that while employment rates may be comparable across regions, the productivity of economic output varies greatly.   To read more about Ed, Anna and Dan’s research papers, find them here: Tackling the UK’s regional economic inequality: Binding constraints and avenues for policy intervention https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/publications/awp/awp198  What should the UK learn from ‘Bidenomics’? https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/publications/awp/awp252  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.  Producer: Emily Uchida Finch Assistant Producer: Emily Gilbert A Whistledown Production 

In the UK alone, around one in four adults are experiencing chronic pain. And nearly a quarter of the population live with some form of disability. Yet despite these numbers, pain and disability are still too often talked about in hushed tones, misunderstood, or entirely overlooked in public life. How do we talk about pain that doesn’t go away? How do people live in bodies that society isn’t built for? And how can we shift the narrative from individual burden to collective responsibility? Professor Tom Shakespeare helps us answer these questions in this episode of the We Society. His work challenges the assumptions we make about ability, autonomy, and what it means to live a fulfilling life.   As Professor of Disability Research in the medical faculty at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Tom is a leading sociologist, bioethicist and one of the UK’s most influential voices in disability studies.   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.  Producer: Emily Uchida Finch Assistant Producer: Emily Gilbert A Whistledown Production 

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.

Lisa Harker, Director of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, delves into the troubling rise of Deprivation of Liberty Orders affecting vulnerable children in the UK. She highlights the dire circumstances these kids face within institutional settings and calls for urgent reforms. The conversation reveals systemic failures in child welfare, emphasizing the need for collaboration and support to improve outcomes. Harker advocates for compassionate solutions over punitive measures, urging society to take responsibility for these children's futures.

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.

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.  Producer: Emily Uchida Finch Assistant Producer: Emily Gilbert A Whistledown Production 

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.