Projects
What will define British culture in the second decade of the 21st century? Despite recession and ongoing anxieties about globalisation, Britons are still very proud to be British, and the country retains an international status that belies its size. This strand explores the elements of contemporary British culture and society which make us unique and the implications of social change for individual and community wellbeing. The Way We Live Now explores the elements of contemporary British culture and society which make us unique and provide a platform for a shared identity.
Britain's experience with recession has highlighted public misgivings about what living in an advanced capitalist society means for individuals. The search for meaning in our working lives is widespread, while many struggle against labour market trends which make progression difficult or a work-life balance hard to achieve.
Where will economic growth come from and how can we ensure there are no serious losers? How can the labour market deliver quality of life, flexibility and skills? Can we develop a welfare policy that shifts the focus from post-hoc redistribution to labour market reform? How can we ensure future generations are not unfairly squeezed?
Business can, and does, achieve progressive outcomes in society. From work-life balance to social mobility to economic growth, the central policy questions of the austerity era can only be answered in partnership with the private sector.
We examine the role of business in the Big Society - to ensure that it is not forgotten or excluded as a driver of social change. The question is not how we force business to 'compensate' us - for the perceived damage they may do - but how we encourage business to play an active, positive part in progress through the everyday work they do.
BROWSE OUR CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
Family and Society
Focusing on how public policy can be better designed to give people and families more power over their lives, this programme brings together research into parenting, ageing and the impact of social change on young people. Led by Louise Bazalgette and Matt Grist, our projects are based on expert analysis of trends, innovative research methods and a progressive vision of social change.
Ageing Across the EU
Louise BazalgetteDemos is investigating the different experiences of older people across EU countries.
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Ageing Sociably
Louise Bazalgette, Claudia Wood, Phillida CheethamThis project will identify ways that private companies can make use of their local presence and existing operating structures to generate new social opportunities for older people.
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Commission on Assisted Dying
Louise Bazalgette, William Bradley, Beatrice Karol Burks, Sarah KennedyDemos will act as secretariat to the Commission on Assisted Dying, an independent inquiry into the issue of assisted dying in the UK.
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The Way We Live Now
Beatrice Karol BurksDemos is exploring how lifestyles in Britain have changed in the past few decades and what it is that make our modern lives unique.
MoreCitizens
Decades of policymaking framed around consumer choice and economic growth have left those formulating policy unsure on how best to balance public and private interests. Led by Jonathan Birdwell, our work in this area seeks to understand the public interest and determine what implications it has for relationships between the state, citizens, business and civil society.
Ending Forced Marriage
Max Wind-Cowie, Phillida CheethamThis project aims to identify an effective cross-border approach to tackling forced marriage in Britain.
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Open Society Dialogues
Dan LeightonThis project explores the tensions, hidden assumptions and challenges to the ideals and institutions that make open societies.
MoreViolence and Extremism
The last decade has seen a rapid growth in extremist and violent behaviours. There are growing incidences of gang membership, gun and knife crime, religious and political radicalism, and violence motivated by intolerance of others. Led by Jamie Bartlett, our work on violence and extremism seeks to understand what drives such behaviour.
Populism in Europe
Jamie Bartlett, Jonathan BirdwellBuilding on The New Face of Digital Populism, Demos is publishing a series of country-specific reports on the growth of populism in Europe.
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Truth, lies and the internet
Jamie Bartlett, Carl MillerThis projects asks the extent to which young people can discriminate between the wealth of information found online.
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Inside the EDL
Jamie BartlettThe project looks at how the English Defence League work and who its supporters are.
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Populism in Europe
Jamie Bartlett, Jonathan BirdwellThis project from the Violence and Extremism team looks at the growth of populism across Europe.
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Under the Influence
Jamie Bartlett, Matt GristThis project will investigate youth 'binge drinking', focusing in particular on the impact of parenting and peer influences on drinking behaviour.
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Legal Highs
Jonathan Birdwell, Jake ChapmanDemos is looking at how government can approach new harmful chemical substances, or 'legal highs', in an effective way.
MorePolitical Ideas
Alongside and connected with the five core research themes, Demos has two political projects focused on renewing the ideas within political traditions.
The Legacy of Octavia Hill
Samuel JonesThis collection explores the lasting impact of thinking and action by Octavia Hill, founder of the National Trust.
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Demos Collections
Max Wind-Cowie, Beatrice Karol BurksThe Demos collection series brings together thought leaders and experts to write on the big questions facing society.
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Patriotism and Pride
Max Wind-CowieThis project will focus on 'practical patriotism', investigating the things that make people feel proud and give them a sense of belonging.
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The Centre for London
Paul Hildreth, Ben Rogers, Max Nathan, Rob Whitehead, Stephen Evans, Jess Tyrrell, Liz Meek, Michael Cassidy, James Crabtree, Robert Elms , Shaks Ghosh, Stephen O'Brien, Emma VandoreThe Centre for London is a new politically independent think tank focused on the big challenges facing London. We aim to through our research, events and partnerships to develop long term, innovative solutions to London's problems.
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Public Services
The Coalition Government is facing the most significant fiscal challenges of postwar Britain. Led by Claudia Wood, our work on public finance will interrogate how the radical action needed to rebalance the budget can be undertaken without abandoning progressive goals.
Under One Roof
Claudia Wood, Phillida Cheetham , Jo SalterDemos is currently looking at how social housing providers can act as co-ordinators and hubs for support and earlier intervention for their clients.
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The Disability in Austerity Study
Claudia Wood, Eugene GrantThis project tracks the lives of five disabled families through the public spending cuts.
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Multi-dimensional poverty
Claudia Wood, Jenny Ousbey, Jo SalterThis ground-breaking project will redefine poverty for the 21st century.
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