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The Social Universe

PhD Students discussing Social Science


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  • 7. Austerity and COVID

    52:35
    In this episode we talk about COVID-19 and how austerity has put the UK in a difficult position to face the pandemic.

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  • 6. Southampton Science and Engineering Festival intro

    02:15
    We are taking part in the virtual Southampton Science and Engineering Festival and want you to join us! We are going to create a podcast where you, our audience, reflect on your experiences of coronavirus and have a go at thinking about what that means for our society.Listen to this trailer to find out more about what it is and how you can take part.You can email us your recordings at: social.universe@outlook.comAnd ask us any questions you have via email or on twitter @universe_socialFor more information about the festival visit:https://www.sotsef.co.uk/
  • 5. Coping with COVID

    51:03
    After a short break, we are picking up the podcast again with an episode discussing how we have found the coronavirus lockdown so far. It is mostly a personal chat about our experiences, including the challenges of childcare and a postponed wedding, but we also share our reflections on the political situation and what we have learnt through the lockdown.ResourcesA twitter thread on coping with the crisis from Dr Aisha AhmadThanks to ProleteR for the music, licensed under creative commons - check them out on social networks.
  • PGR Striker 2020

    23:37
    This breakout episode brings you the latest updates from the dispute negotiations before replaying the orignal PGR Striker covering all you need to know about the UCU strikes and why, as PGRs you can get involved.Solidarity!This is what we're fighting for.
  • 4. Toxic Research Cultures

    42:04
    In this episode of The Social Universe we explore the Higher Education research cultureand the extent to which the environment we work and study in is making us sick. Join Katy and Bea as they discuss the proliferation of poor mental health in the sector and what’s fuelling it. We also discuss what needs to change and the challenges PGRs face when standing up to so-called ‘toxic research cultures’.  To lean more check out the reports and articles we referenced inthe episode:      Welcome Trust Report on Research Cultures Mark Erickson, Paul Hanna & Carl Walker article including a staff satisfaction league table Are you in a Bullshit job? Article by David Grarber (see also his book Bullshit Jobs, A Theory)UCU report into casualization affecting mental health If you are affected by the issues we discuss, or want to seek help, support or guidance about an issue we raised,here are some places to start:Join UCU.  Check out the PGR Charter and tools on bullying, harassment and Stress The Mind guide to managing your studiesAs always, thanks to ProleteR for the music, licensed under creative commons- check them out on the socialnetworks.
  • 3. The Literature Review

    41:02
    In this episode of The Social Universe we take a deep dive into the world of PhD literature reviews. Listen to three battle-weary 2nd and 3rd year students reflecting on their respective experiences and get all the pro tips you need to avoid the sort of traumas they went through! This is great listening for anyone considering doing a PhD or those of you in the thick of their 1st year.Thanks as ever to ProleteR for the banging music - check them out on all the social networks
  • PGR Striker - The UCU Strikes

    16:13
    This break-out episode is our final dispatch from the UCU picket lines at the University of Southampton.Hear reflections from staff and students about how this round of strikes went, and what we can learn moving into any future industrial action.Find out more about the strikes on the UCU websiteThanks as always to ProleteR for the music - licenced under creative commons.