Hydropower should help local people


CHINA’S ENGAGEMENT IN the finance and construction of hydropower dam projects in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia has widened opportunities for these countries to attract large investments and build up energy and water management infrastructure, says research. But dam building has had contentious socioeconomic impacts for local populations such as the forced resettlement of 10,000 indigenous people for the building of Malaysia’s Bakun dam. Researchers recommend that dam builders and national governments safeguard the livelihoods of people directly affected by dams, and rigorously conduct environmental


impact assessments for ecological mitigation and protection. Robust national legislation and policies are key. China could also better contribute as a global leader in alternative low-carbon energy technologies such as wind, solar and small hydro; create more acceptable opportunities than large dams, while benefiting from new markets and first-mover advantage. n


i Contact Dr Giuseppina Siciliano, SOAS,


University of London Email gs45@soas.ac.uk Web www.soas.ac.uk/cedep/research/cgg Telephone 0203 0738332 ESRC Grant Number ES/J01320X/1


High cost credit first option for many


PAY DAY LOANS receive a great deal of publicity, but a recent study by The Young Foundation working with the Welsh Government finds that other forms of credit – home credit or doorstep loans and rent-to-own (hire purchase) – are far more widely used yet have received far less scrutiny. Research into high-cost credit across


Wales found it to have a negative impact on people’s wellbeing. Half of those taking out high-cost loans experience anxiety and stress as a result of this debt. So why choose such costly credit and what are the alternatives? Findings reveal that almost two


thirds of people (65 per cent) turn straight to high-cost credit without considering different types of credit or comparing offers between lenders. More than 70 per cent of high-cost credit customers think that these types


of borrowing are normal. And, as hire purchase and doorstep loans have largely avoided negative publicity, they are seen as acceptable choices. Based on conversations with 100


customers and 26 stakeholders, The Young Foundation recommendations include greater regulatory support and use of social finance to fund innovation. They also advise steps to expand affordable finance through, for example, new consumer credit, savings products and strengthening credit unions. n


i Contact Ms Hannah Kitcher,


The Young Foundation Email hannah.kitcher@youngfoundation.org Web youngfoundation.org/wp-content/ uploads/2014/11/Credit-where-credits-due_ extended-report.pdf Telephone 020 8980 6263 ESRC Grant Number ES/M007219/1


MOTIVATED BY KIDS Many charities assume they can enhance support by putting children front and centre in their campaigns. New research will test whether children cause an increase in adults’ prosocial motivation; in other words, that children inspire adults to transcend their own needs and be more considerate of others in general. Findings will increase understanding of the role children play in adult social cognition and behaviour. ESRC grant number ES/P002463/1


MIGRATION FLOWS Migration flows within the global South (rather than flows from the global South to the global North) have important implications for inclusive economic growth that creates opportunities for all society, and where monetary and non-monetary benefits are fairly distributed. The Migration for Inclusive African Growth network will explore how inclusive growth is, and can be, in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique. ESRC grant number ES/P006558/1


SOCIAL INCLUSIVITY Ensuring equal opportunities for individuals from ethnic and religious minorities is essential for cities that want to be inclusive. The Socially Inclusive Cities Network will focus on how research might help reduce the inequalities and unfairness that can lead to public unrest and unstable societies. Workshops in India, Kenya, Nigeria, Vietnam and the UK will identify common issues and knowledge gaps. ESRC grant number ES/P007384/1


SUMMER 2011 SOCIETY NOW 5 SUMMER 2017


IN BRIEF


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32