Apr 29, 2021 | Social history, Stories
With the census in England & Wales recently completed and having generated a number of controversies in its development and execution, it is worth bearing in mind that such debate and dispute is nothing new, nor is it confined to Britain. Typically, controversy...
Mar 3, 2021 | Social history, Stories
While we live in an era dominated by post-Brexit politics and the pandemic, new realities bring fresh perspectives on the same old perennial issues. One such issue recently brought back into focus was that of inequality: Labour leader Keir Starmer in his recent...
Feb 18, 2021 | Social history, Stories
During lockdown, despite the loss of employment income for many, consumers have been accumulating savings rather than spending. The Bank of England estimates £125 billion has been racked up – an average of £4,000 per household. Will consumers use these ‘pent-up’...
Dec 21, 2020 | Social history, Stories
A look at two Christmas related research findings published 46 years apart, and accessed from the Archive, finds similarities but also interesting changes in tone. An NOP bulletin poll from 1969 stated that “Most people enjoy Christmas – only 13% said they did not...
Oct 9, 2020 | Social history, Stories
Because of Covid, pubs are now closing at 10pm, resulting in a furore of dismay and much controversy about loss of liberties and the ‘killjoy’ attitude of the government. But many of us remember when the closure of pubs at 10pm was the norm. The announcement of ‘Time,...
Sep 30, 2020 | Social history, Stories
For many people the telephone has been a great source of support during lockdown. Not only has it enabled us to keep contact with family and close friends, but the ‘hallo – how are you – how are you coping?’ calls with not-so-close acquaintances have somehow...