Positive thinking

Matthew Flinders, University of Sheffield Political parties in the UK are currently entirely absorbed in one topic alone: Brexit. But there is something else that should be up for discussion. Something arguably far more important, and which concerns sociopolitical change and the future of party politics. It’s the increasing evidence of a “two-tribes” phenomenon or a new axis in British politics. The parties must somehow get to grips with this change if they are to form a governing platform. Politically, the United Kingdom – or more specifically England – appears defined by a new core axis that no longer revolves around class. It’s defined by place-based and educational characteristics. The traditional “left versus right” axis has been replaced by a more complex focus on “open versus closed” models of society. In making this argument I am indebted to the research of Will Jennings and Gerry Stoker and the recent writing of journalist David Goodhart and playwright Da...

1.        “If you want to end the war then Instead of sending guns, send books. Instead of sending tanks, send pens. Instead of sending soldiers, send teachers.” - Malala Yousafzai 2.        “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” ― Maria Montessori 3.        “We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower 4.        “There is a LIGHT in this world. A healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometime lose sight of this force when there is suffering, and too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”  - Richard Attenborough 5.        “To forgive is the highest, most beautif...

Simon Reich, Rutgers University Newark It is a short distance from Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue to the United Nations headquarters on First Avenue, but these are different worlds. Donald Trump’s native world is one of unilateralism and competition, with more than a hint of bravado and aggression. The U.N.‘s world is one of multilateralism and cooperation, with a heavy dose of diplomacy and collaboration. Those two worlds met when Trump gave his first speech to the U.N. as America’s president. And the nationalism and pragmatism of the relatively recently inaugurated leader of the U.S., if no longer the free world , collided with the cosmopolitan, enduringly optimistic, if often weary, leadership of the U.N. Not surprisingly, it starkly contrasted with Barack Obama’s final speech to the U.N. a year ago. 'It’s complicated’ Since his inauguration, Donald Trump has conceded on several occasions that foreign policy is “complicated. ” And his speech at the U.N. reinf...

Kate Isherwood, Bangor University The UK is facing a mental health crisis in the workplace. Around 4.6m working people – 7% of the British population – suffer from either depression or anxiety. In total, 25% of all EU citizens will report a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. People who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, or show symptoms of one, and remain in work are known as “presentees”. These individuals may have trouble concentrating, memory problems, find it difficult to make decisions, and have a loss of interest in their work. They underperform and are non-productive. Medication and/or talking therapies – like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – have been shown to be highly effective in treating common mental health disorders. But these interventions are aimed at those who are already signed off sick due to a mental health diagnosis (“absentees”). Stress and pressure in work is not the same as at home, so those with ment...

Jonathan Michie, University of Oxford - UK The UK is in the midst of a wide-ranging national industrial strategy which will influence the country’s future role in the global economy. The latest proposals look at the life sciences and healthcare sectors, perhaps the areas of this grand plan which will affect most people, including through the successful development – or otherwise – of the National Health Service. Sir John Bell was asked to work on how the UK might exploit its existing strengths in life sciences. His report issues the strong recommendation that research and development (R&D) spending should rise from 1.6% of GDP to 2.6% over the next five years – putting the UK in the top quartile worldwide. He also wants the UK to create two or three entirely new industries in the next decade, while increasing by 50% the number of clinical trials, and attracting capital investment for large and small manufacturing facilities. The plan is for the UK to e...

Peter Smith, University of Toronto - Canada There’s been a lot of interest in the harmful effects of prolonged sitting at work, from academics and the public alike. The attention being paid to sitting — or rather, not sitting — while on the job stems from the scientifically validated message that being sedentary in general, both indoors and outdoors, is bad for your health. However, comparatively little attention has been devoted to the harmful effects of prolonged standing at work, despite past studies linking it to chronic back pain and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the lower limbs. What’s more, research has shown that prolonged standing might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s because standing too long can result in blood pooling in the legs, increased pressure in the veins and increased oxidative stress , all of which can contribute to an increased risk. Prolonged standing at work doubles heart disease risk We recently published...

Kate Pickett, University of York and Richard Wilkinson, University of York If moving forward is the goal, it’s a not a good policy to stand still. Yet we hear little from the government about solutions to Britain’s poor record on social mobility. Earlier this year both the current administration and its predecessors were roundly condemned for their failure to make any headway. Research has repeatedly shown the clear link between high levels of income inequality and low levels of social mobility. This graph, from our book The Spirit Level shows that far from being the land of opportunity, the US has very low social mobility. You’re much more likely to achieve the “American dream” if you live in Denmark.  Mobility and inequality. The Spirit Level , Author provided British social mobility is damaged by the UK’s high income inequality. Economists have argued that young peo...