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Attitudes
Attitudes to...Cannabis
In this episode, Mark and guests explore what the latest research reveals about public attitudes towards cannabis, from support for legalisation to perceptions of its risks and impact on society. Drawing on evidence from NatCen and wider social research, they discuss how views on cannabis have shifted across generations, why younger people are increasingly supportive of change, and what the data tells us about the gap between public opinion and current policy.
Alex Scholes is a Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), where he leads on the delivery of the British Social Attitudes survey and other large-scale studies exploring social and political change in Britain.
Dr Rebecca Askew is a Reader in Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University who specialises in drug policy and attitudes towards drugs. She has led major UK and international studies in drug policy, which amplify lived-living experience voices.
Research and publications discussed
- Society Watch 2024: Understanding the new generation of voters British Social Attitudes survey
- Askew R, Ritter A. Why are people with lived and living experience conflicted about the legalisation of drugs?
ATTITUDES explores a range of issues and viewpoints through conversations with expert guests. The opinions expressed during these discussions are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or positions of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).
About the data
This episode draws on findings from the British Social Attitudes survey and other research carried out by NatCen, as well as other independent organisations and academic institutions. References and further reading can be found via the links above.
Acknowledgments
With thanks to our guests, contributors and the team at Capital City College for their support with the recording and editing of this podcast. We’re grateful to everyone who has taken part in NatCen's research over the years. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand life in Britain today.
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Attitudes to...Masculinity
22:20|In this episode, Mark and guests explore what it means to be a man in Britain today. Drawing on social research and public attitudes data, they discuss how ideas about masculinity are evolving and the role gender continues to play in shaping perceptions of political leadership. Why are qualities such as decisiveness and authority often associated with leadership? Have attitudes changed as more women have entered public life and politics? And what do these assumptions tell us about modern Britain?Curtis Jessop is Director of Attitudinal Surveys and NatCen Panel at NatCenProfessor Susan Banducci at University of BirminghamResearch and publications discussedBSA 42 | Gender Identity | National Centre for Social ResearchStudying Gender Stereotypes of Political Candidates over Four DecadesATTITUDES explores a range of issues and viewpoints through conversations with expert guests. The opinions expressed during these discussions are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or positions of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).About the dataThis episode draws on findings from the British Social Attitudes survey and other research carried out by NatCen, as well as work produced by independent researchers, charities and academic institutions exploring gender, identity and social change. References and further reading can be found via the links above.AcknowledgmentsWith thanks to our guests, contributors and the team at Capital City College for their support with the recording and editing of this podcast. We're grateful to everyone who has taken part in NatCen's research over the years. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand life in Britain today.2. Attitudes to... AI
17:41||Ep. 2In this episode, Mark and guests explore what the latest British Social Attitudes data reveals about public opinion on AI, from healthcare and welfare to surveillance and policing. They discuss why concerns differ across contexts, what people want from regulation, and whether government policy is keeping pace with public expectations.Octavia Field Reid is Associate Director (Public Participation & Research Practice) at the Ada Lovelace Institute.Curtis Jessop is the Director of Attitudinal Surveys and the NatCen Panel, where he oversees the development and delivery of the British Social Attitudes study and the NatCen Panel, the UK’s first open mixed-mode random probability research panel.British Social Attitudes: Artificial IntelligenceMaking good | Ada Lovelace InstituteThe Citizens’ Biometrics Council | Ada Lovelace InstituteCountermeasures | Ada Lovelace InstituteGreat (public) expectations | Ada Lovelace Institutehttps://attitudestoai.uk/ATTITUDES explores a range of issues and viewpoints through conversations with expert guests. The opinions expressed during these discussions are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or positions of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). About the data This episode draws on findings from the British Social Attitudes survey and other research carried out by NatCen, as well as other independent organisations and academic institutions. References and further reading can be found via the links above. Thanks With thanks to our guests, contributors and the team at Capital City College for their support with the recording and editing of this podcast. We’re grateful to everyone who has taken part in NatCen's research over the years. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand life in Britain today.1. Attitudes to... University
20:58||Ep. 1In this episode, Mark and guests explore what the latest British Social Attitudes data reveals about public opinion on universities and higher education, from the value of a degree to concerns about student debt and graduate outcomes. They discuss why trust in the system appears to be falling, and what the data shows beneath the growing narrative of disillusionment with UK higher education.Professor Diana Beech is Director of the Finsbury Institute, a public policy hub for the City of London based at City St George's University.Alex Scholes is a Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), where he leads on delivery of the British Social Attitudes survey.Research and publications discussed:BSA 43: Higher education, NatCen, June 2026Higher Education Policy Institute – Student Academic Experience Survey 2026Higher Education Policy Institute – The Benefits of Hindsight: Reconsidering higher education choicesATTITUDES explores a range of issues and viewpoints through conversations with expert guests. The opinions expressed during these discussions are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or positions of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). About the data This episode draws on findings from the British Social Attitudes survey and other research carried out by NatCen, as well as other independent organisations and academic institutions. References and further reading can be found via the links above. Thanks With thanks to our guests, contributors and the team at Capital City College for their support with the recording and editing of this podcast. We’re grateful to everyone who has taken part in NatCen's research over the years. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand life in Britain today.ATTITUDES
00:23|A new podcast from the National Centre for Social Research exploring the ideas, opinions and trends shaping Britain today through the lens of robust social research.ATTITUDES brings together leading researchers and expert voices to unpack the evidence behind the headlines. From politics and public services to identity, values and social change, each episode explores what people in Britain really think and why it matters.