Education and social justice: Investigating gender-based violence and social mobility

Department of Education Lecture

Can universities be an ‘engine of social mobility’? (Professor Paul Wakeling)
The potential for higher education to play a role in upward social mobility has a long pedigree, but has figured especially prominently in recent debates about both higher education expansion and broader socio-economic inequalities in the UK and beyond. In this talk, Paul will draw on his previous research to show some of the limits to the role which universities are able to play in social mobility. He will highlight in particular access to postgraduate study, inequalities between types of universities and the role of academic attainment to illustrate my arguments. While he will emphasise that the solutions to social mobility problems largely lie outside of higher education, he will argue that there remains a critical role for universities in bringing about a fairer world.

Tackling sexism, sexual harassment and violence in education (Professor Vanita Sundaram)
Increasing attention is being paid to the causes, prevalence and implications of sexual harassment and violence in educational settings. In this talk Vanita will outline her work on these issues, exploring how educational contexts might be seen as conducive contexts for sexism, harassment and violence, considering the ways in which such practices are sustained across the educational life course, and thinking about the possibilities and limits of violence prevention in educational settings. In particular, she will draw on research about young people's experiences of sexual harassment and violence in school, and the increased visibility of so-called 'lad culture' in universities. She will argue that a gender-based analysis of these issues is essential to prevention and challenge in education.

Lecture followed by drinks and nibbles - all attendees welcome.