Tuesday 19 January 2010
Monday 18 January 2010
Election Special: Aspirations vs social mobility
With both political parties gearing up for the general elections. The issue of social mobility is emerging on the agenda. Labour after 12 years in government has failed to improve social mobility and the conservative are not really interested. Yet we hear both parties talking about aspirational society, providing opportunities for all and especially which seems to be the politicians favourite; providing opportunities for our children.
My suggestion is that we start by making sure that adults are given the same opportunities today, the reality is that from job application , to interviewing , it still remains a bias society.
Having a qualification will not necessary get you a job and indeed will definitely not get you certain jobs. Without the right connections certain employment opportunities are no no.
It seems that you might aspire as much as you want but certain job opportunities are just not opened to everyone.
Moreover, the sad reality is that while people are ok with lawyer,bankers etc earning a lot of money, we are talking about wage restrictions/reductionsin the public sector and generally pay people like cleaners, very low wages.
While, it could be said that the former group have invested in developing skills and so on. the fact is that a cleaner etc also provides important services to society
Besides we all have to live a liveable life
My suggestion is that we start by making sure that adults are given the same opportunities today, the reality is that from job application , to interviewing , it still remains a bias society.
Having a qualification will not necessary get you a job and indeed will definitely not get you certain jobs. Without the right connections certain employment opportunities are no no.
It seems that you might aspire as much as you want but certain job opportunities are just not opened to everyone.
Moreover, the sad reality is that while people are ok with lawyer,bankers etc earning a lot of money, we are talking about wage restrictions/reductionsin the public sector and generally pay people like cleaners, very low wages.
While, it could be said that the former group have invested in developing skills and so on. the fact is that a cleaner etc also provides important services to society
Besides we all have to live a liveable life
Thursday 14 January 2010
Haiti earthquake: Whats happening?
I am alone in thinking that the response to the Haiti’s earthquake and the subsequent presentation of the international response by BBC reveal an uncomfortable truth about our world today.
It shows a level of incompetence by the Aid organisations, the UN and governments throughout the world. When the earthquake was first reported, we were told that the first 48 hours was crucial. 48 hours after nothing, has happened.
The UN lost personnel and was directly affected by the disaster, that unfortunate but it still has the responsibility of leading the response and we have seen little leadership from UN.
Indeed, a BBC report showed a group of Haitian affected by the quake congregating just 2 minute away from the Airport, yet nobody was supporting them.
It seems that governments are trying to out do each other and show that they are companionate but the reality is that the Haitians who immediate help are not getting it.
Maybe, I am being naïve, but is it not possible to immediately send in (parachute if necessary) in troops, medicine, and food
It seems to me that if governments can organise a rapid response force to tackle hostile situations, they should be able to organise a similar response in this case and the Un should have the logistic framework in place to response immediately, after Haiti is not located in an isolated area.
This kind of disaster is a test of the international communities ability to work towards a more cooperative and progressive world.
It shows a level of incompetence by the Aid organisations, the UN and governments throughout the world. When the earthquake was first reported, we were told that the first 48 hours was crucial. 48 hours after nothing, has happened.
The UN lost personnel and was directly affected by the disaster, that unfortunate but it still has the responsibility of leading the response and we have seen little leadership from UN.
Indeed, a BBC report showed a group of Haitian affected by the quake congregating just 2 minute away from the Airport, yet nobody was supporting them.
It seems that governments are trying to out do each other and show that they are companionate but the reality is that the Haitians who immediate help are not getting it.
Maybe, I am being naïve, but is it not possible to immediately send in (parachute if necessary) in troops, medicine, and food
It seems to me that if governments can organise a rapid response force to tackle hostile situations, they should be able to organise a similar response in this case and the Un should have the logistic framework in place to response immediately, after Haiti is not located in an isolated area.
This kind of disaster is a test of the international communities ability to work towards a more cooperative and progressive world.
Wednesday 13 January 2010
hello...
Hoping that this will be a vehicle to discuss and reflect on topical issues and other social/ issues/problems... and publish some of my work .. and integrate some of the research material /evidence base I come across.
Hopefully, it will be challenging, useful and interesting.
Be warned there will be some spelling mistakes and all.. the style is not rigid, my excuse is that even the mistakes in research are part of the research process.????
Hopefully, it will be challenging, useful and interesting.
Be warned there will be some spelling mistakes and all.. the style is not rigid, my excuse is that even the mistakes in research are part of the research process.????
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