Welcome
to the Autumn issue of Society Now, the ESRC’s regular magazine that showcases our funded research and the impact of social science. In a climate of deepening public sector
funding cuts how will Britain’s urban areas be affected? Our main feature on page 10 looks at the economic, political and social factors influencing the development of our cities and towns, and how they will change in the future. This issue also includes a feature on the Big Society initiative and examines whether organisations and volunteers are ready and willing to rise to the challenge. This is the second issue of Society Now that is published fully online, using a dynamic PDF presentation as well as a print-friendly version. We are also developing our website to include regular Society Now news, case studies and features to reach an even wider readership. I hope you will find the magazine enjoyable
and informative. We always welcome feedback and ideas for content.
Nick Stevens, Editor
societynow@esrc.ac.uk
24 In this issue...
REGULARS 3 News
The views and statements
expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the ESRC
17 Opinions Climate change: changing perceptions. Digital discrimination – the haves and the have nots
20 The UK by numbers Volunteering
29 Information and updates People; publications; news briefs; events
CONTRIBUTORS
Jane Seale, Professor of Education at the University of Plymouth, Convenor of the TLRP-TEL Programme Digital Inclusion Forum
Professor Nick Pidgeon, ESRC Climate Leader Fellow and Human Dimensions Theme Leader for the
2 SOCIETY NOW AUTUMN 2010
Climate Change Consortium for Wales (C3W) initiative
Sarah Womack, freelance journalist and former social affairs correspondent of the Daily Telegraph
Professor Paul Cheshire, Spatial Economics Research Centre and LSE
Richard Rodger, Professor of Economic and Social History, the University of Edinburgh
David Levitt, Founder of Levitt Bernstein Architects and Chair of the RIBA Housing Group
26 FEATURES
10 Home truths The last 30 years have seen fundamental changes in our attitudes towards home ownership. Do our current planning and housing policies meet today’s challenges?
14 Power to the people Are idealistic organisations and volunteers ready to spearhead a community comeback?
16 Healthcare efficiency
A study of hospital logistics led to savings of over £358,000 through more effective transport solutions
22 A nation of hawks or doves? What do British citizens really think about military action and under what circumstances will they support the use of force?
24 Positive thinking How do we live healthier and happier lives as well as living longer ones?
26 Voices: A life in social science The ESRC’s new Chief Executive Officer, Paul Boyle, talks to Society Now about his academic career, his priorities for the ESRC and making research count
10 14 20 22
All Society Now photography © Alamy unless otherwise marked
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