Social media ‘soft girls’ depend on men for money – but Sweden once used state ‘influencers’ to urge women to get jobs

If you’re considering a soft life, you may want to ask why the housewife disappeared in the first place.

Åsa Lundqvist, Professor of Sociology, Lund University • conversation
Jan. 8, 2025 ~8 min

Weight loss plans are less effective for many Black women − because existing ones often don’t meet their unique needs

Healthy diet and regular exercise are key to treating obesity. But the stress of everyday racism and sexism hinder Black women from adopting lifestyle changes necessary for weight loss.

Jameta Nicole Barlow, Associate Professor of Writing, Health Policy & Management and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies,, George Washington University • conversation
Nov. 13, 2024 ~7 min


How ‘woke’ marketing lets fast fashion brands get away with environmental and labour abuses

Fashion can be a useful vehicle for political messages – until someone asks who makes the clothing.

Mariko Takedomi Karlsson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Human Ecology, Lund University • conversation
Aug. 12, 2024 ~6 min

Why the man-hating feminist is a myth – according to science

Feminists are about as man-hating as men are.

Robbie Sutton, Professor of Social Psychology, University of Kent • conversation
Nov. 23, 2023 ~8 min

Iranian protesters turn to TikTok to get their message past government censors

The app best known for kids sharing video clips of themselves singing and dancing has become a powerful tool for activists speaking out against repression in Iran.

Whitney Shylee May, Ph.D. candidate in American Studies, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts • conversation
Dec. 13, 2022 ~8 min

If we want to build truly sustainable cities, we need to think about how women use energy and space

My research shows how urban design can make it harder for women in some countries to make sustainable choices.

Rihab Khalid, Research Fellow in Sustainable Energy Consumption, University of Cambridge • conversation
July 8, 2022 ~8 min

What maps made by 20th century suffragists can teach us about holding leaders to account on climate change

Women’s rights activists used maps to highlight which regions hadn’t given women the vote: we can use the same tactics to push climate action.

James Cheshire, Professor of Geographic Information and Cartography, UCL • conversation
Nov. 29, 2021 ~7 min

The 'female' brain: why damaging myths about women and science keep coming back in new forms

From having small brains to being better at reading, it is often argued that women aren't well suited to do science.

Gina Rippon, Professor Emeritus of Cognitive NeuroImaging, Aston University • conversation
Aug. 3, 2020 ~8 min


Five must-read novels on the environment and climate crisis

Eco-fiction to help you rethink your role in the climate crisis.

Ti-han Chang, Lecturer in Asia-Pacific Studies, University of Central Lancashire • conversation
July 9, 2020 ~7 min

7 lessons from 'Hidden Figures' NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson's life and career

NASA scientist Katherine Johnson was instrumental in getting people to the moon. Here are some of the lessons one mathematics professor believes she taught us all.

Della Dumbaugh, Professor of Mathematics, University of Richmond • conversation
Feb. 26, 2020 ~7 min

/

1