Plymouth University to host topical debate on social unrest and government policy

The assertion by Prime Minister David Cameron that everyone has a part to play in “mending our broken society” will be examined in a free public debate at Plymouth University this month.

We are all in this together will consider whether there is any connection between the coalition government’s policies and the recent social unrest and disaffection – and will invite members of the public to contribute their own views on the Big Society.

Professor Danny Dorling, author of You Think You Know About Britain and the co-author of Bankrupt Britain: An Atlas of Social Change, will be one of three high profile participants at the event, and will provide evidence and analysis of widening inequality under the current government.

Professor Dorling has promised to talk about inequality in education, income, unemployment, housing and health, “how immigrants are often wrongly blamed for all these trends”, and will count up how many “viable, alternative plans there are to George Osborne's Plan”.

He will be joined by leading sociologist Professor Ruth Levitas, from the University of Bristol, who will consider whether there is a place for utopian thinking in policy-making; and Professor Walter Benn Michaels, of the University of Illinois, who will compare the situation to the United States, particularly in relation to multiculturalism and diversity.

The event is being organised by the Social and Public Policy Research Group at Plymouth University, and will also welcome representatives from third sector agencies, including faith groups, as the debate focuses the impact of these social and political trends on the communities they support.

Nick Johns, Lecturer in Public Sector Management, said: “We think there will be a fascinating mix of opinions and perspectives on what is happening in the UK today.

“Inequality is at its highest level in 50 years, social mobility is stalling and unemployment is rising at a time when higher education is becoming more expensive. Third sector institutions are being asked to step into the breach, but what provisions are in place to support this transition‘ Is there a connection between the policies of the coalition government and the worst urban riots in England in 30 years’”

We are all in this together will be held on Thursday 8 September, from 1.30pm until 4.00pm, in the Plymouth Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building.

The event is free to attend, but does require members of the public to confirm their attendance via email to coalitionconference [a] plymouth.ac (p) uk or by telephoning 01752 586971.

Alison Green, Lecturer in Research Methods, added: “This is not a day for listening to us as ‘experts’; it is a day for concerned citizens of all ages, social backgrounds and beliefs to come together to share their experiences, ideas and suggestions about how the Big Society should really look and what we should be aiming for now.”