Governments see that social science methods are highly useful in drafting social policy and to improve workplace practices. Social scientists contribute to decisionmaking by using a range of case studies and statistical analyses.
Continue reading “Social Science Methods Improve Social Policy”
I led the research team responding to a state inquiry on the health and safety impact of firefighter training. I reflect on the use of social science during the analysis phase of investigation. This discussion serves as a case study on how to other organisations might improve management responses to environmental, health and safety issues.
Continue reading “Environment, Health and Safety Training”
The Australian Government is getting ready to displace Indigenous Australians living in over 150 remote communities in Western Australia, in a bid to save money. Rather than fixing existing social services, Indigenous Australians will be forced to move from their homes. This poorly conceived policy is nothing short of colonial violence, by dispossessing traditional owners from their homes.
Continue reading “Displacement of Indigenous Australians”
This is a summary of my recent social media writing about race and identity in Australia and the USA. This included my live tweets during the Sydney hostage siege as well as the Ferguson and the #BlackLivesMatter anti-police violence protests following the death of Eric Garner.
Continue reading “Race and Identity”
This is the first in a series of posts exploring how social science supports local governments in the provision of health policies and services. Continue reading “Healthy Communities: Local Government Supporting Public Health”
How does social science help improve life expectancy? By examining health risks amongst vulnerable populations and addressing inequalities that impact wellbeing.
Continue reading “Improving Health and Life Expectancy”
A look back at Australia’s enduring class struggle for power and how billionaires appeal to working-class ideals.
Continue reading “Sociology of Class and Australian Politics”
Indigenous communities in remote areas face problems of access and relevance when it comes to mental health services. In areas such as Darwin and Alice Springs, where mental health practitioners are so far away that they need to be flown in, mental health delivery is costly.
Continue reading “Culturally Relevant Mental Health Services for Indigenous Youth”
I’m going to start doing shorter blog posts along with my usual longer analyses. These quick posts will be part of my Social Science Snack series, which will show how research can improve business, the community sector and social media. My aim is to write about social science research in a way that makes the academic language and ideas more widely accessible. I also focus on providing solutions to specific organisational problems.
Today’s Social Science Snack is about how community health services might empower patients.
Continue reading “How to Empower Patients”
Social policy makers need ongoing research into the social behaviour of crowds. This is partly about urban planning, such as management of landscapes, improving infrastructure, decreasing traffic congestion and so on. Governments also need to understand crowd behaviour because local communities need to improve social service delivery.
Continue reading “Social Science of Crowds”