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A stereotype is a distorted and often exaggerated depiction of some aspect of reality. As such, stereotypes are potentially very dangerous because they can influence our thoughts, feelings and actions in misleading ways. Confusing an oversimplified and distorted picture of something with the complex, multi-level reality it actually represents is clearly not a wise step to take. So far, so straightforward, but what is often not realised is that (i) stereotypes are far more prevalent than people generally realise; and (ii) they work both ways – that is, we can both stereotype others and be stereotyped by others ... https://neilthompson.info/index.php/beware-of-stereotypes/  

Guest post by Dr Sue Thompson The discriminatory treatment of minority groups is something that still exercises us to this day, but it has a long history. A significant part of this history is the way Native American nations were displaced and marginalised by the European settlers. Much has changed since those early days, but the legacy of those events is still with us. In this important text, sociologist Professor Gerry Cox provides a fascinating and thought-provoking overview of a range of key issues relating to the life experiences of contemporary American Indian groups. At over 600 pages it is a lengthy tome that offers a wealth of insights spread across twenty-five chapters ... https://neilthompson.info/index.php/book-review-sociology-of-the-american-indian-by-gerry-r-cox/

COMPASS is looking for contributors to the annual guide to social work and social care. As the largest publication in social work and social care, we are looking for articles to keep our readers informed with the most current information and opinions from professionals in the sector. Suggested topics for editorial include: Articles highlighting an area of good practice within your organisation or in a specific department. Articles offering an opinion regarding current legislation and sector issues. Information about how you as an employer have developed services to encourage innovative practice. Case studies or features that showcase particular projects. ‘Just one question’ - a senior member of your organisation answering a question on policy, or a factual point or information…

Ken Leech, who has died aged 76 of cancer, stood firmly in the proud tradition of radical prophetic priests in the English Catholic, rather than Roman Catholic, tradition – one that comes closest to Latin America’s liberation theology. His commitment to allying prayer with political action led him to create the Centrepoint charity for young homeless people in central London, to work tirelessly on promoting good race relations, and to become an influential writer exploring the relationship between intimacy with God and compassionate political commitment to a more just and peaceful world. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/sep/22/the-rev-ken-leech

Join us on the afternoon of Saturday 21st November to watch an exclusive, preview screening of "The Divide"; a powerful and thought-provoking film inspired by "The Spirit Level", that explores the human stories behind the inequality statistics and graphs. We are also delighted to announce that you will be able to hear from Professor Sir Tony Atkinson, Centennial Professor at the London School of Economics, discussing his new book "Inequality - what can be done?" Professor Atkinson recommends ambitious policies to address inequality, providing informed optimism about the prospects for action on economic inequality. You will also be able to put your questions to the makers of "The Divide", Professor Atkinson, and to Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, the authors…