Creating Real Choice for Women at Work
Researcher Barbara Pocock’s book “The Work/Life Collision” has been influential throughout my career. I taught Professor Pocock’s research for years at Swinburne University while I was still a lecturer and tutor. This book informed my thinking when I worked in social policy research. I draw on her work still.
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Why Local Communities Protect Pirates
A study published in the British Journal of Criminology finds local communities are usually protecting pirates when they have no comparable alternative source of income.
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Overuse of Antibiotics
A new study warns that people are overusing antibiotics, which lowers the effectiveness of these drugs. Yet the people who understand this best are actually two and a half times more likely to overuse antibiotics without a prescription as well as pass on these drugs to others.
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Social Science Quote: Rosa Clemente
Activist Rosa Clemente says social activism is about individuals bearing witness to injustice and keeping the conversation going, which is just as important as other forms of intervention.
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Facebook’s Impact on Negative Emotions
Journalist and former English scholar, Dr Jacob Brogan, argues that Facebook’s focus on ‘liking’ activities makes it harder to reflect meaningfully on negative life experiences.
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The Marriage Brand on Facebook
A new article examines how Facebook has become a digital space to ‘manage the marriage brand.’ The article suggests that some couples struggle with relationship status changes and the pressure to maintain a positive outlook through a divorce. There are … Continue reading The Marriage Brand on Facebook
Environment, Health and Safety Training
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.
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Managing Rudeness at Work
Psychologists find that experiencing rudeness at work from customers and colleagues increases absenteeism and decreases sales performance. Managers can step in and improve workplace culture. Psychologist Michael Leiter says: Source: American Psychological Association. Continue reading Managing Rudeness at Work
Being a Black Woman and Public Social Scientist
Dr Robin Nelson is a biological anthropologist and a wonderful public scientist. Speaking with NPR, she reflects on why it’s important for her to share her academic training to talk about women’s issues on Twitter.
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How to Manage Stress at Work
How can you better address the experience of stress and work? Research shows that stress comes from many sources, but the cumulative effect can lead to chronic illness.
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Social Science Insights 