Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology news archive 2015-2022
Hear from Sociology Student Ella about her experiences of the Professional Pathways to Charity & Development
As a Sociology student in my final year, the thought of deciding what I want to do for a career was a daunting one! With so many different options and possibilities, I felt quite overwhelmed and unsure.
Health, care and social services should be designed to be sensitive to people’s shame, experts urge
Experts call for health, care and social services to be designed in a manner that is more sensitive to shame experiences of their users.
200 healthcare workers share experiences of shame as part of new podcast documentary series
New podcast documentary series highlights shame experiences of more than 200 healthcare workers
Extraordinary moments of coronavirus crisis seen in new interactive art exhibition
An interactive online exhibition captures extraordinary moments of the coronavirus pandemic, as expressed by millions across the country.
Volunteers mark decade of horticulture and friendship at community garden connecting students and their neighbours
Volunteers are marking a decade of innovative horticulture at Exeter’s Community Garden - where students work with their neighbours to cultivate food and friendship.
AI set to transform science and engineering in Canada
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform how science and engineering is conducted and funded in Canada, bringing both tremendous opportunities and risks, according to a new expert panel report from the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA).
Pandemic left hospitality workers more vulnerable to conflict from customers and less able to challenge managers over safety due to financial insecurity, study shows
Hospitality workers felt less able to challenge and negotiate bad practice or unsafe working conditions during the coronavirus pandemic, a new study shows.
Philosophy of Science Prize
Professor Sabina Leonelli, professor of Philosophy and History of Science, has been awarded the American Philosophical Society’s Patrick Suppes Prize in Philosophy of Science in recognition of her book Data Centric Biology.
Zoo visits focused on sound give visitors new perspectives on the lives of animals, study suggests
Encouraging zoo visitors to focus on sounds as much as sights can help them feel a sense of connection with the lives of animals, a study indicates.
Trust in the UK Government, social norms, and privacy concern associated with uptake of NHS Covid-19 app, study shows
Uptake and continued use of the NHS Covid-19 app last year depended on people’s trust in the UK Government, their concern about privacy, and crucially whether other people in their social networks endorse it, a new study shows.
Hospitality workers speak of “moral burden” of their job on new podcast exploring struggles of pandemic working
Hospitality workers discuss the “moral burden” of their job during the pandemic on a new podcast which explores the struggles of those who worked in restaurants, pubs and fast food outlets during the health crisis.
Study shows emotional toll faced by police staff analysing child sex abuse images
Police staff who have to analyse and categorise images of child sexual abuse cope with the trauma associated with their work by developing informal ways to support each other, research shows.
Number diagnosed with autism jumps 787 per cent in two decades, study shows
The number of people diagnosed with autism has jumped by 787 per cent in the past two decades, a new study shows, likely an effect of increasing recognition.
Digital evidence at risk of being missed because of fragmented police training and coordination, study warns
There is a risk of crucial digital evidence being missed or misinterpreted because of a shortage of adequate skills and knowledge in police forces, a new study warns.
Impact of citizen-led forensic efforts to find the “disappeared” in Latin America analysed as part of major new study
The impact of grassroots forensic practices led by families trying to find the “disappeared” in Latin America will be analysed as part of a major new study.
HRH The Prince of Wales attends meeting at Tennacott Farm
As part of his annual visit to the South West, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales attended a meeting at Tennacott Farm, near Bideford.
Professor Sabina Leonelli elected to the prestigious Academia Europaea
Professor Sabina Leonelli has been elected to the prestigious Academia Europaea.
Green Thinking podcasts bring new approach to climate questions
A new podcast series hosted by a University of Exeter academic explores issues linking climate challenge and society, in conversation with some of the UK’s leading researchers.
Listen to the latest Royal Anthropological Institute podcast featuring Dr Iza Kavedzija
How to live well in older age? What can we learn from the anthropology of aging?
Being highly educated not a curb to bigger families for religious women, study suggests
The trend for highly-educated women to have fewer children isn’t seen among those who are religious, new analysis suggests.
Methods of recording, investigating and learning from deaths following use of force by the police across Europe can be critically lacking, new report warns
Methods of recording, investigating and learning from deaths following use of force by the police across Europe can be “lacking in critical respects”, a new report warns.
What does group-based creative practice do for wellbeing? New AHRC project is starting soon.
"Groups, Clubs, and Scenes: Informal Creative Practices in Japan", led by Dr Jennifer Coates (University of Sheffield) and our own Dr Iza Kavedzija, has been awarded an AHRC Network Grant.
Health and wellbeing benefits of walking on the South West Coast Path valued at over £75 million per year
Latest research has calculated health and wellbeing benefits of over £75 million for people walking Britain’s longest National Trail. The figures were produced as part of a report published today that assesses the health and wellbeing benefits of the South West Coast Path.
“Attitude of gratitude” keeps older people in Japan feeling hopeful as they age, study shows
Older people in Japan have an “attitude of gratitude” which keeps them feeling hopeful despite the challenges of aging, a new study says.
People back coronavirus restrictions but think autumn local lockdowns were mismanaged by the Government, survey shows
There is widespread public support for coronavirus restrictions, but most people believe local lockdowns this autumn were mismanaged by the Government, a new survey shows.
Major new project will support global implementation of open science
A major new research project will support open science implementation around the world.
Dr Iza Kavedžija guest edits the November/December 2020 issue of Anthropology & Aging
'The Ends of Life: Time and Meaning in Later Years.' Special Issue of Anthropology and Aging, is out now.
University of Exeter experts lead major research project into farmer wellbeing
University of Exeter experts are leading a major new study to better understand the mental and physical wellbeing issues facing agricultural workers.
Launch of new neurodevelopmental and neurodiversity network
A new regional network between the GW4 universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter has launched which will focus on research into neurodiversity and conditions such as ADHD and autism
Less than a fifth of farmers plan to fully retire, new university study finds
Less than a fifth of farmers plan on fully retiring and many do not discuss their later life plans with loved ones, according to a new study from the University of Exeter in collaboration with NFU Mutual.
Exeter researchers awarded prestigious fellowships to tackle issues from food insecurity to autism
Five researchers at the University of Exeter have been awarded prestigious fellowships to tackle key issues from food and housing insecurities to autism diagnosis.
Research to explore farmers’ experiences of isolation, loneliness and mental health issues
New research led by the University of Exeter and The Farming Community Network (FCN) aims to explore how social isolation, loneliness and mental health issues within the farming community are experienced and managed – and how to improve support available.
Weapons not used by officers in majority of police incidents involving force, data suggests
Weapons were not used in the majority of police incidents where officers had to use force, the first detailed analysis of statistics from a new national reporting system suggests.
New study to discover inequalities caused by coronavirus pandemic and Brexit across Britain
Mass surveys and in-depth fieldwork across England will be used to explore how the coronavirus pandemic is both creating new social inequalities as well as reinforcing existing ones.
New soap opera, comic and apps being used to tackle kidnappings in Mexico
A new soap opera, comic and app are the latest weapons being used to tackle the epidemic of kidnappings in Mexico.
Agricultural jobs website launches to connect farms with work-seekers
With an acute labour shortage in the seasonal farming industry and millions of people either out of work or furloughed, The Land Army was born with the goal of connecting farms and agricultural businesses with suitable candidates quickly.
UK and Ireland Patent Network virtual seminar series launched
The Patent Scholars Network, a network of patent scholars in the UK and Ireland, is running an online seminar series in summer 2020.
Efforts to speed up police digital forensic analysis must be more efficient, study shows
Efforts by police forces to speed up digital forensic analysis could lead to oversights in evidence gathering and interpretation, a new study warns.
Games to bring laughter and help families during coronavirus lockdown
A University of Exeter expert has come up with games featuring dancing, storytelling, running and acting to help families struggling to think of new things to do at home during the coronavirus lockdown.
CHYME/Egenis book has a quarter of a million downloads
The edited book about the history of neurodiversity movement published by Exploring Diagnosis, is written by autistic people about their own activism.
University of Exeter expert elected to prestigious American Academy of Arts & Sciences
A University of Exeter expert has been elected to one of the world’s most prestigious academic organisations.
Male doctoral graduates more likely to have a full-time, permanent job than their female counterparts, study shows
Male doctoral graduates are more likely to get a permanent job compared to their female counterparts, a new study shows.
Dr Iza Kavedžija publishes her monograph 'Making Meaningful Lives: Tales from an Aging Japan'
Making Meaningful Lives provides a rich anthropological account of the lives and concerns of older Japanese women and men
Dr Skidelsky launches 'Virtues of the Dead' website
Dr Edward Skidelsky has launched a new website relating to his research into the history of virtue and vice terms.
Adrian Currie wins the 2019 Fernando Gil Prize for Philosophy of Science
Adrian Currie’s Rock, Bone and Ruin: An Optimist’s Guide to the Historical Sciences is a systematic philosophical examination of how scientists generate knowledge of the deep past.
Professor Jane Elliott awarded CBE for services to social sciences
A University of Exeter sociologist who has had a leading role in managing longitudinal studies which give vital information about the wellbeing of the nation has been awarded CBE in the New Year’s Honours list.
Double success for Professor Sabina Leonelli
Professor Leonelli has been elected to the International Academy of Philosophy of Sciences and the European Philosophy of Science Association.
Professor Susan Molyneux-Hodgson has been elected as President of SHARE
Professor Molyneux-Hodgson has been elected as the inaugural President of the newly formed European Research Platform for Social Sciences and Humanities research to ionising radiation SHARE.
When should NHS contact patients over faulty genes?
The NHS and health services worldwide need to develop policies on when patients should be “re-contacted” about faulty genes, as the current lack of guidance creates a dilemma for health services, experts have warned.
Short films animated by autistic artists provides insight into talent that autism can bring
Autistic adults have created beautiful animations as part of a project that highlights their creativity and different ways of thinking.
Can listening instead of just looking change attitudes to how we experience a day out at the zoo?
What can we hear if we stop and listen to the zoo? Does this change our experience of the animals we visit? Which species and what aspects of their behaviour come to the fore and what do we learn as a result?
Social Sciences Alumni Return for Q&A and Networking with Exeter Scholars Students
A panel of alumni from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies attended an Exeter Scholars event, answering questions posed by Year 12 students on this prestigious programme, followed by a round table networking session.
Autism brings qualities which help at home and at work, study shows
Autism enhances characteristics such as loyalty and focus which help those with the condition at work and in their relationships with others, experts have found.
University of Exeter student wins award at The Global Undergraduate Summit
The winning student from the University of Exeter was presented with the Thomas Clarkson Gold Medal at The Global Undergraduate Summit in Dublin, Ireland.
Mary Anning: how a poor, Victorian woman became one of the world’s greatest palaeontologists
Dr Adrian Currie, Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK
University of Exeter academic and partners train Polish torture prevention monitors in monitoring and documenting use of Taser, weapons and restraints
Enhancing the independent monitoring and documenting of the use of weapons and restraints in law enforcement activities was the focus of a capacity-building event for Polish torture prevention monitors on 30 October 2018 in Warsaw.
Facebook and feuds – the impact of social media on traditional tribal justice in Jordan
Dr Geoffrey Hughes, Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK
E-cigarettes should be used more actively to help smokers quit, experts recommend
“Ongoing nervousness” about the use of e-cigarettes in stop-smoking services can be a “significant” barrier to people finding support, research revealed during “Stoptober” shows.
College of Social Sciences and International Studies Alumni Engage with Exeter Scholars Students
On Wednesday 12 September, a panel of alumni from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies attended an Exeter Scholars event, answering questions posed by Year 13 students on this prestigious programme, followed by a networking session.
Booking Now! EASE working group to host Human Behaviour Change for Animals conference
On 20 - 21 October 2018, the EASE (Exeter Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics) working group will be hosting the conference ‘Taking HBCA from Principles to Practice’, organised by Human Behaviour Change for Animals (HBCA)
EASE team in Australia at the ISAZ2018 conference
The EASE (Exeter Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics) working group from the University of Exeter’s Sociology, Philosophy & Anthropology department
Professor Tia DeNora elected to prestigious British Academy fellowship
A University of Exeter expert has been elected as a fellow of the prestigious British Academy for her research on the therapeutic value of music making.
Professor Sabina Leonelli wins the 2018 Lakatos Award
Her book Data-Centric Biology: A Philosophical Study, is praised by Selectors as "a ground-breaking, richly interdisciplinary and scientifically-engaged study that productively reframes philosophical conceptions of data".
Professor John Dupré elected President of the The Philosophy of Science Association (PSA)
Congratulations to Professor John Dupré, who will serve a two-year term.
University of Exeter academic honoured for research shaping new national data on police use of force
A University of Exeter expert’s work on a new national reporting system on the use of force for all 43 police forces in England and Wales has earned her a major award.
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Social care Japanese style - what we can learn from the world's oldest population
Dr Iza Kavedžija reviews a recent Nuffield Trust report that claimed: "England could learn lessons from Japan to address social care crisis".
Brian Rappert co-convenes International Experts Meeting on Police uses of Lethal Force
A two-day discussion about ways of recording, evaluating and comparing information about deaths following police uses of force around the world.
Leading European Philosophy of Science conference held at Exeter
The event was hosted by Egenis, The Centre for the Study of Life Sciences and the Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology
Evolved masculine and feminine behaviour can be inherited from social environment – not just from genes
The different ways men and women behave, passed down from generation to generation, can be inherited from our social environment – not just from genes, experts have suggested.
University of Exeter expert helping to boost open science in Europe
Dr Sabina Leonelli is helping to boost the amount of science research in Europe which will be openly available for all to read without charge.
Top social scientist boosts Exeter’s research excellence
One of the UK’s leading social scientists is joining the University of Exeter from her previous post as Chief Executive of the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC).
Listening to music can improve unconscious attitudes towards other cultures
Listening to five minutes of West African or Indian pop music can give the listener more positive attitudes towards those cultures, research from the Universities of Oxford and Exeter has found.
Exeter Primary School Children take on Plato and Aristotle
Great philosophical questions such as ‘What is art?’ and ‘Should you always tell the truth?’, are being debated by Exeter primary school children, with the help of University of Exeter philosophers.
New translation opens a window into the world of the ‘father of genetics’
For decades the “father of genetics” Gregor Mendel has been portrayed as living an isolated, monk-like existence, cut off from society.
Top Think Tank visits Exeter for Research Networking and Partnership Building
On Saturday 3 December, the University of Exeter welcomed a senior delegation from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).
University of Exeter student success in international awards
University of Exeter social sciences students have been successful in an academic competition referred to as the “junior Nobel Prize”.
Exeter expert urges scrutiny of genome editing
New methods of genome editing which could increase food production rates in farmed animals require urgent ethical scrutiny, according to a University of Exeter expert.
Official launch of the #RU2Drunk breathalyser scheme in Weymouth
Suspected drunks trying to get into pubs and clubs in Weymouth could be breathalysed and refused entry from Friday 16 September.
ISIS propaganda collected in real time
University of Exeter experts will collect large amounts of propaganda put on the internet by Islamic State terrorists in real time to understand how it radicalises people.
The Annual Royal Institute of Philosophy Conference 2016: “Moral Enhancement”. University of Exeter, 7-8 July 2016.
The annual Royal Institute of Philosophy Conference is taking place this year at the University of Exeter, with the topic of moral enhancement.
£1.5 Million AHRC Grant award for “D4D project”
This project will work across the spectrum of disability, working closely with communities and organisations, and it will seek to enhance agency and challenge discriminatory and excluding practices
New publication by Michael Hauskeller
Published in 'Sociology': a review of Steve Fuller and Veronika Lipinska’s 'The Proactionary Imperative: A Foundation for Transhumanism'.
Exeter enters global 100 for Social Sciences
The University of Exeter has strengthened its position as being among the very best universities in the world for Social Sciences.
Publication success for MA Anthrozoology students
In just over a year, five MA Anthrozoology students have published articles based on the work they conducted during the course in high-standard peer-reviewed journals.
Sociology achieves league table success
Sociology at the University of Exeter has increased its position in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016 rankings. It is now ranked in the top 5 – 3rd in the UK for Sociology, an increase of 10 places over the last year.
Anthropology ranked 6th in Complete University Guide
In its first appearance in the Complete University Guide 2016, the University of Exeter ranked 6th in the country for Anthropology.
Nuffield appointment for SPA academic
Professor John Dupré, Director of the Egenis research centre, has been appointed to a new genome editing working group established by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.
SPA postgraduate organises an Experts Meeting to discuss the use of the electric-shock weapon the TASER™ in the UK.
Abi Dymond, researching Security, Conflict and Justice, worked with her supervisors at Exeter, Professor Brian Rappert, and the University of Bristol, as well as with the Criminal Justice Centre at Queen Mary, University of London and with colleagues at the South West Doctoral Training Centre, to bring together a wide range of participants.
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology Department launching Buddy Scheme after successful pilot
We are now looking to recruit mentors to be a part of the scheme starting in Fresher’s Week 2015.
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology celebrates notable Research Excellence Framework (REF) success.
The department has been ranked in the top 10 units for Sociology in the UK in the UK government’s Research Excellence Framework (REF), 2014.
Dr Tom Rice introduces BBC Documentary about the slums of Govindpuri in India’s capital, Delhi.
Slum settlements have a strong visual identity. We are used to seeing TV footage of densely packed, ramshackle homes squeezed onto strips of land in inner cities. Dr Tom Rice – a sound anthropologist at The University of Exeter – takes an alternative perspective and explores what a slum sounds like and how this embodies and reflects the local culture.
40 home-based games for families
The resource provides instructions on a variety of home-based games and activities that require little or no equipment.
PGRs present on the impact of their research at InSPAration 2021 Workshop and Conference
The conference welcomed PGRs from across SPA to present on the impact of their research in industry, academia, society, or on themselves as PGRs.
Act now to ensure animal welfare is at the heart of plans to introduce genome editing into farmed animal breeding, says independent ethics body
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, is calling on the Government to put animal welfare at the heart of plans to approve new breeding technologies in farming and food production, in a new report ‘Genome editing and farmed animal breeding: social and ethical issues’, published today.
Festival of Social Science: A fascinating insight into social science and its influence on our lives
Exeter academics will be demonstrating how our research is investigating the key issues in modern day life at a series of events.
The College of Social Sciences and International Studies Advocate Scheme
Would you like to earn money talking about your course and student life? Do you want flexible work?
First anniversary for flourishing student-founded company
A non-profit company, which specialises in dementia daycare for the elderly, has increased its capacity 20-fold since its inception.
Police and University join forces to harness research potential
A new research project will unite police and researchers to increase evidence-based knowledge, skills and problem solving approaches within policing.
Consent for research participation:Time to change?
A major investigation into the views of volunteers on the consent process for medical research has been found to conflict with the standard practice required for consent in the UK.
#RU2Drunk breathalyser initiative reduced alcohol fuelled crime in Torquay
A scheme to breathalyse suspected drunks trying to get into pubs and clubs in Torquay has seen a 39 per cent drop in violent crime.