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Numbers in Global Politics; Gay Rights and Religion in Belfast

The power of numbers in global politics - Laurie Taylor considers the hidden agendas that sometimes underpin the use of statistics. Also, gay rights and religion in Belfast.

The power of 'numbers' in global politics: Laurie Taylor talks to the economist, Lorenzo Fioramonti, about the hidden agendas which may underpin the use of statistics, affecting the way we deal with poverty and sustainability. Numbers are at the heart of debates on the GDP which drives our economies and the credit ratings which steer financial markets. But what is behind these numbers?

Also, pride and prejudice in Northern Ireland: The social anthropologist, Jennifer Curtis, discusses her research with Belfast's LGBT Pride Festival to explore religious groups' increasing support for gay rights since 2008. She's joined by Andrew McKinnon, an expert on the sociology of religion.

Producer: Jayne Egerton.

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28 minutes

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Mon 10 Feb 2014 00:15
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Lorenzo Fioramonti

Jean Monnet Chair in Regional Integration and Governance Studies and Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Pretoria (South Africa)

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How Numbers Rule the World: The Use and Abuse of Statistics in Global Politics
Publisher: Zed Books
ISBN-10: 1780322674
ISBN-13: 978-1780322674

Jennifer Curtis

Honorary Fellow in Social Anthropology at Edinburgh University

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Abstract: The Sociological Review
Volume 61, Issue Supplement S2, pages 141–159, December 2013
DOI: 10.1111/1467-954X.12104

Andrew Mckinnon

Senior Lecturer, in the School of Social Science, University of Aberdeen

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Abstract: Journal of Classical Sociology July 18, 2013
doi: 10.1177/1468795X13494130

Ethnography Award

Thank you for all your entries.ÌýÌý

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TheseÌýare now being reviewed by the judges for the Award, Professor Dick Hobbs, Professor Henrietta Moore, Dr Louise Westmarland, Professor Bev Skeggs. The Chair is Professor Laurie Taylor. (Please do not contact any judges directly).

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The judges will be looking for work which displays flair, originality and clarity, alongside sound methodology. The work should make a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant area of research.

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The panel of judges will select six finalists, and from that shortlist the judges will select an overall winner who will be awarded a prize of £1000.

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The finalists will be contacted by telephone early spring of 2014 and the winner of the Award will be announced at the .

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Please see the for all the rules.

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  • Mon 10 Feb 2014 00:15
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