Recent
Insights from three generations of mothers
The report seeks to answer some specific questions about the changing face of motherhood and determine the extent to which modern ‘solutions’ to motherhood are more or less beneficial than the solutions of the past. more
Report of an independent assessment
Two years ago, in the Children's Plan, the DCSF committed itself to commission an independent assessment of the impact of the commercial world on children's wellbeing. That assessment, led by Professor David Buckingham, is now complete. As part of the process SIRC was commissioned to undertake two major reviews: Children and Family Life: Socio-Demographic Changes and The Ecology of Family Life. more
Psychological impact & the lessons of recession
There can be very few people in Britain who are unaware that we have been living in times of recession…It is clear that people — even those unaffected directly — are worried, especially about their future financial security. But are there some positive lessons to be learnt? more
The role and citizen impact of Public Service Broadcasting
As a complement to the extensive work contributed by other players on the rapid advances in technology and consumer behaviour, the work is designed to review and present the available data on broader social trends which may impact on PSB in the future…more
Lukewarm response to 'non-science' GM ban
The media response to Tesco's banning of crops grown on former GM trial sites has been decidedly lukewarm. Only the Daily Mail gave it prominence. Most other papers did not report the story, while those that did (Guardian, Express) were careful to include the Government's comments to the effect that this was a "marketing stunt" with no basis in science. Even Tesco has admitted that the new policy is "not about science but the perception of science."
In defence of the decision, Tesco say that their customers "are confused and concerned about the GM issue." The media seem largely unimpressed by this argument, perhaps wondering how a ban with no scientific justification will help to reduce confusion or alleviate concern.
Tesco's motives for this move may well be entirely laudable, but given the sceptical response, other supermarket chains may prefer to gain their customers' confidence with policies based on reliable scientific evidence.
