This week’s read has been George Monbiot’s Captive State. This shocking book shows how corporations in the UK and overseas have become so powerful in the UK. The Private Finance Initiative is documented to have enabled a range of private investors to buy into and then profit from the Skye Bridge, hospitals, schools, land use, shops, the food chain, many key areas of our economic life are controlled by private companies rather than the government.
Monbiot’s solution? “Engaging in democratic politics, using exposure, enfranchisement and dissent to prise representatives out of the arms of the powers they have embraced” (2000,p.358).
“Only one thing can reverse the corporate take over of Britain. It’s you.” (2000, p.360).
I am a Professor of Social and Health Inequality and Director of the Centre for Research in Health and Society at the University of Cumbria where I lead research into inequalities locally, nationally and globally.
I am passionate about critical pedagogy, empowerment and agency and how they contribute to wellbeing and social justice. To that end I strive towards and support others to develop asset-balanced and person-centred, critically pedagogical practice – quite a mouthful! I also pursue interests in relational leadership, collaborative practice and small acts of leadership.
Methodologically I am predominantly a qualitative researcher interested in socially just and authentic methods that enable people to contribute the most. I have a keen interest in evidencing the impact of youth work in ways that contribute to the young person as much as the organisation supporting them, and I work closely with Brathay Trust, the North West Regional Impact Hub for the Centre of Youth Impact.
My professional background includes primary, secondary and higher education teaching, youth work, social care, outdoor education, research and higher education all as a practitioner, manager and leader. This experience led to my passion for wellbeing and social justice on a global, national and local scale. This blog is my small attempt to support change in these arenas by sharing evidence and my views in order to increase critical consciousness and leverage action.
View all posts by wellbeingandsocialjustice
