Surviving Society

On Tothill Street, in the heart of London’s Whitehall, sits Caxton House, home to the Department for Work and Pensions. The DWP administers the UK’s welfare system, a key infrastructure of everyday life. For many, the DWP determines if they have enough money to eat, stay warm, power medical equipment - to live. For many, it has also become synonymous with suicide. In collaboration with activists and scholars Stella Dadzie, Imogen Day, John Pring, and Rick Burgess, in this episode, China Mills (from Healing Justice London) describes the grinding bureaucratic crimes committed as the DWP sought to force disabled people into work. This painful story is also one of power. We’ll hear how disabled people and people of colour have fought tirelessly to expose the true scale of this crime - and get justice.  Useful Links *Caring for ourselves and each other when the state tells us that we don’t matter is a radical act. We hope you find these resources useful.* Deaths by Welfare Project podcast (including BSL interpret

On New Year’s Eve 2019, a drive-by shooting took place in the popular Johannesburg suburb of Melville. Two people were killed and six injured in this shocking and as-yet-unsolved case. Almost unheard-of in this crime-ridden city, the drive-by horrified local communities, provoking surging anxiety in everyone from middle class home- and business owners to student renters and informal workers. To unravel the “true crime” beneath the sensational headlines, Nicky Falkof speaks with Antonette Gouws, who was present at the drive-by, as well as local “character,” Danny Nunes, and filmmaker and academic, Dylan Vally. As we’ll hear in this episode, these unsolved murders expose the convenient fictions of Melville’s multilateral security infrastructure. Local sleuthing about the drive-by also unveils long-held beliefs about race, corruption, violence, insecurity and belonging in this complicated city.  Useful Links  Sophiatown Arts Akademy: https://www.instagram.com/sophiatownartsakademy/ Socio-Economic Rights Institu

In this episode series producers - Chantelle Lewis, Maia Holterman-Entwistle, Sharri Plonski and the inimitable George ‘Adders’ Ofori-Addo - reflect on the evolution of season two of ‘ Material Crimes.’ We discuss the incredible work of contributors, the arc of infrastructural violence across the episodes and the powerful struggles at the centre of these stories. Season two delves even deeper into the “true crimes” of infrastructure, with upcoming episodes on both the visible, tangible violence of military complexes, broken dams and drive-by shootings and the more insidious yet no less deadly infrastructural violence of bureaucratic welfare, environmental degradation and the complex web of international arbitration. We also discuss how Palestine haunts this season, asking what it means to produce creative and collaborative work during the ongoing genocide and how this year of acute traumas has shaped our thinking about Material Crimes. Useful Links https://materialcrimes.com/

Material Crimes returns with a brand new series. Material Crimes is brought to you by Surviving Society Productions. Executively Produced by Dr Chantelle Jessica Lewis George Ofori - Addo Sharri Plonski Maia Holtermann-Entwistle Design by Evelyn Miller Edited by George Ofori - Addo

In this episode of Surviving Society, in collaboration with the Identities Podcast, Ala Sirriyeh and Aaron Winter discuss their thoughts and experiences in the 10 months since 7 October and what has occurred in Gaza and globally, including on UK university campuses, as colleagues and friends in an ongoing dialogue, scholars and educators working on racism and refugees, co-founders of Sociologists in Solidarity with Palestinians (SISP), and in relation to their identities as a Palestinian and Jew. Ala is a British Palestinian sociologist of migration with a primary focus on child and youth migration and activism. Her first monograph Inhabiting Borders, Routes Home: Youth, Gender, Asylum (Routledge 2013) explore refugee young women's experiences of home in the context of their transitions to adulthood. Her second monograph, The Politics of Compassion: Immigration and Asylum Policy (Bristol University Press, 2018) explored border controls and resistance in Britain, the US and Australia, investigating the c

Bev Skeggs is one of our best ever thinkers on formations of class and gender and her archive is now live! In this episode we reflect on Bev’s incredible career and we take a deep dive into corruption, class and capitalism. Useful Links https://bevskeggs.com/

In the final episode of the series, Keir joined us to talk about the Racial Bias and the Bench report which explored the negative racial attitudes and practices in the justice system in England and Wales. Welcome to this collaborative two-part series with the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at the University of Manchester. In these episodes we explore the research conducted at the centre focused on ethnic, racial and religious inequalities in the UK. https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/discover/briefings/judiciary/ https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/

Recorded from the Walthamstow anti-fascist response 7th August 2024, Chantelle reflects on the presence of love and solidarity , amongst the crowd of 10,000 people.

Shamim Miah and Ajmal Hussain join us to interview Claire about returning to her research on Muslim men and the construction of the Asian Gang in Britain over 20 years on. This episodes looks at changing identities of the original participants as they transition into adulthood in the context of the War on Terror, 'grooming gangs' and increased Islamophobia in Britain. Welcome to this collaborative two-part series with the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at the University of Manchester. In these episodes we explore the research conducted at the centre focused on ethnic, racial and religious inequalities in the UK. Links: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/asian-gang-revisited-9781350384132/ https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/

In this episode, Remi joined us to discuss the  'Whose campus, whose security?'  report which highlights students’ views on, and experiences with, security services and police on UK university campuses. *please note that this episode was recorded before the latest global student uprisings (2024) Welcome to this collaborative two-part series with the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at the University of Manchester. In these episodes we explore the research conducted at the centre focused on ethnic, racial and religious inequalities in the UK. Links: https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/discover/briefings/whose-campus/ https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/

In this episode we hear from James and Laia on ethnic inequalities in health. We look back on what happened during COVID-19 and the racisms prevalent across the impacts and responses from governments Welcome to this collaborative two-part series with the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at the University of Manchester. In these episodes we explore the research conducted at the centre focused on ethnic, racial and religious inequalities in the UK. Links: https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/research/projects/evens/ https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/

We talk to Dharmi about ethnic inequalities in mental health service in Britain. Dharmi explores the impact of racism, austerity and COVID-19 for access to support, advice and care. Welcome to this collaborative two-part series with the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at the University of Manchester. In these episodes we explore the research conducted at the centre focused on ethnic, racial and religious inequalities in the UK. Links: https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/dharmi.kapadia

Adam returned to the studio to explore the history of Black resistance to British policing in Britain. Adam connects how global resistance to imperial cultures from the 20th  century have helped to shape contemporary activist movements like Black Lives Matter. Welcome to this collaborative two-part series with the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at the University of Manchester. In these episodes we explore the research conducted at the centre focused on ethnic, racial and religious inequalities in the UK. Links: https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526143938/ https://www.ethnicity.ac.uk/

Surviving Society returns with a second collaborative series with the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity based at the University of Manchester, also known as CODE.

Sarah discusses “development”, gender, and food systems, as well as talks about her work as an agroecologist who is directly working with farmers to build community and promote regenerative agriculture.   Link: https://www.sarahbharath.com/   These episodes feature activists and scholars who are on the frontlines of grassroots struggles for dignity, justice, and self-determination in the Caribbean. Rooted in a convivial spirit of creative resistance and collective healing, each guest shares insights into the region’s lasting legacies of colonialism as a means of confronting and ultimately ending the enduring aftermaths of empire. Guest co-producers, Levi Gahman, Johannah-Rae Reyes, Adaeze Greenidge  

Pablo gives an overview of the land rights victory won by the Maya people in the Caribbean Court of Justice, Indigenous governance, and the complexities of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. Link: https://www.facebook.com/mayaleadersofsouthernbelize/?locale=en_GB   These episodes feature activists and scholars who are on the frontlines of grassroots struggles for dignity, justice, and self-determination in the Caribbean. Rooted in a convivial spirit of creative resistance and collective healing, each guest shares insights into the region’s lasting legacies of colonialism as a means of confronting and ultimately ending the enduring aftermaths of empire.Guest co-producers, Levi Gahman, Johannah-Rae Reyes, Adaeze Greenidge

In this episode, Kim shares her research on Garifuna resistance to land privatisation and dispossession in Honduras. The conversation also illustrates the significance of ancestral memory and cultural survival.   Link: https://www.escr-net.org/member/organizacion-fraternal-negra-hondurena-ofraneh   These episodes feature activists and scholars who are on the frontlines of grassroots struggles for dignity, justice, and self-determination in the Caribbean. Rooted in a convivial spirit of creative resistance and collective healing, each guest shares insights into the region’s lasting legacies of colonialism as a means of confronting and ultimately ending the enduring aftermaths of empire.Guest co-producers, Levi Gahman, Johannah-Rae Reyes, Adaeze Greenidge

Ian provides an overview of his research/activism on the realities and challenges of Deaf people in the Caribbean. He also provides insight into the colonial politics of sign language.   Link: https://newsday.co.tt/2023/12/30/deaf-activist-ian-dhanoola-wins-hard-head-award/   These episodes feature activists and scholars who are on the frontlines of grassroots struggles for dignity, justice, and self-determination in the Caribbean. Rooted in a convivial spirit of creative resistance and collective healing, each guest shares insights into the region’s lasting legacies of colonialism as a means of confronting and ultimately ending the enduring aftermaths of empire. Guest co-producers, Levi Gahman, Johannah-Rae Reyes, Adaeze Greenidge

In this episode, Tivia discusses her research with migrant women on borders and (non)belonging in the Caribbean, as well as the power relations and political economy of intra-regional movement.   Link: https://www.tiviacollins.com/   These episodes feature activists and scholars who are on the frontlines of grassroots struggles for dignity, justice, and self-determination in the Caribbean. Rooted in a convivial spirit of creative resistance and collective healing, each guest shares insights into the region’s lasting legacies of colonialism as a means of confronting and ultimately ending the enduring aftermaths of empire.Guest co-producers, Levi Gahman, Johannah-Rae Reyes, Adaeze Greenidge

In this episode, Rae offers both personal and political insight into the realities, struggles, and forms of trauma and dehumanisation experienced by queer and trans people across the Caribbean.   Link: https://caisott.org/meet-our-team/#:~:text=Rae%20Alibey%20(she/her)   These episodes feature activists and scholars who are on the frontlines of grassroots struggles for dignity, justice, and self-determination in the Caribbean. Rooted in a convivial spirit of creative resistance and collective healing, each guest shares insights into the region’s lasting legacies of colonialism as a means of confronting and ultimately ending the enduring aftermaths of empire.Guest co-producers, Levi Gahman, Johannah-Rae Reyes, Adaeze Greenidge