The NSPCC recently released our report ‘A qualitative study of children, young people and ‘sexting’. The report is based on qualitative, school based research conducted by myself (Jessica Ringrose, Institute of Education London), Rosalind Gill (Kings College London), Sonia Livingstone (London School of Economics) and Laura Harvey (Open University). Read the full story

In recent months a number of articles have appeared in the UK national press, reporting renewed concerns about the impact of celebrity and consumer culture on young people’s aspirations. Celebrity culture features in these as a contemporary folk devil, conjured up as the source of various societal ills, and diverting attention from the structural causes of inequality. Read the full story

GEA Policy Officer’s Report, 2012

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The interim conference, ‘Gender and Democracy: Gender and Research in Times of Change’, was hosted by the University of Gothenburg’s Department of Education and Special Education. Read the full story

Gaby Weiner, Chair of the Association since 2009, formally stepped down from her position on Thursday evening along with former Chair and Executive Member Carolyn Jackson. Both were presented with gifts and lifetime memberships by Gaby’s successor, Gabrielle Ivinson at a reception hosted by the Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research at this year’s interim conference.

We wish Carolyn, Gaby and Alexandra Allan (who has also left the Executive) the best of luck.

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending an excellent event exploring young people and sexualisation in Wales. The Cardiff University event was opened by two senior policymakers for Wales, Keith Towler, the Children’s Commissioner, and  Gwenda Thomas, the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services. Read the full story

I have just finished reading Rachel Cusk’s most recent book which reflects on the breakup of her marriage.  This book caused quite a stir when it was published in early March – some critics felt it was too self-indulgent, others bemoaned the poor husband and children having their stories so publically aired.  I began to read it with great anticipation, however, largely because her previous ‘memoir’ on becoming a mother had been such a fascinating read because it was so bold in the sense that she had not pulled any punches about the reality of pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood.  But also, I couldn’t wait to read the book because I have been through (several) moments where I have wondered – would I be better off alone, without my partner – would I be ‘freer’ – to parent and manage the day-to-day as I wished, without compromise and sometimes ‘giving in’? Read the full story

The Gender and Education Association are looking for new executive members as several current members have completed their term of service.

Being an executive member involves attending 2-3 face to face meetings each year (usually in London) and 2-3 telephone meetings each year. You are also expected to take responsibility for one area of the association’s work (for example: newsletter editor, treasurer, membership) and to take a role in writing content for the website – producing about six posts a year.

We welcome nominations from anywhere in the world and, budget permitting, will make available some funding for non-UK executive members to attend face to face meetings.

If you would be interested in joining the executive please send your name and email address together with a short paragraph of no more than 300 words describing why you would like to be a member of the executive and what you feel you would bring to the role. You can also include the URL of a webpage so that people can find out more about you.

To talk informally about this or to submit your application, please email Gaby Weiner (gaby.weiner@btinternet.com).

Elections will take place via email during April

FINAL DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 31 March 2012.

I have been thinking for some time about the way that the field of gender and education has developed in recent years. Once political and outward-looking, involving schools and other extra-university institutions in a joint quest for gender knowled Foto Sf Lite ge, the field seems has atrophied into just another university discipline. Read the full story

Of late I have been trying to work out where I stand in relation to porn. Read the full story