Māori Ward Bill, Kamala Harris, UK riots against migrants all shaping the world we live in
I'm back after a six week break and there is so much going on. So below is what I will be writing about in the next few days
From the Māori Ward Bill to Donald Trump and the recent UK riots against migrants, the world we live in is shaped by powerful, often contentious stories. These events remind us how deeply connected we are, even across oceans. And after a much-needed six-week hiatus, I'm back, refreshed, and excited to discuss these topics and more with you.
Taking a break was a breath of fresh air, but I’ve got the vibrant discussions we’ve had here on Less Certain. So, as I ease back into my writing groove, I wanted to give you a sneak peek at what's coming up over the next few weeks. Spoiler alert: We’re deep into some genuinely juicy topics!
Free Speech: A Double-Edged Sword?
13 August article
First on the agenda is exploring the importance and controversy surrounding free speech. This topic has been buzzing in academic circles and beyond. Te Herenga Waka and The Listener have sparked some intense conversations on this front, I’m eager to add my voice to the mix.
We live in a time when universities should be sanctuaries of informed debate, yet there is growing concern about where the line should be drawn between robust discussion and harmful rhetoric. Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith argues that a proposed 'free speech law' might do more harm than good. I’ll unpack these ideas, looking at both the promise and peril of free speech in our increasingly polarized world.
How to talk about politics over the dinner table and not set it on fire
20 August article
Next, we’ll tackle a tricky one: how to talk about politics without setting your dinner table on fire (metaphorically)! Every day, the political climate seems more charged, making it harder to have constructive conversations. Clarifying that, for example, being Right-leaning doesn’t make you a racist; it might just mean you don't think the government is best placed to solve all our problems. In the same way that Left-wing politicians don’t have a monopoly on morality and justice, they just think that the government is well-placed to solve all the problems.
Our political leanings don’t signal our moral judgment; they just signal to who we think is better placed to solve problems.
I’ll explore how we can bridge the gap, especially when it feels like we’re speaking different languages. We’ll explore the challenges of relying too heavily on public services, the left's struggles with implementation, and why governments sometimes fumble the ball on significant issues like childcare and affordable housing. Plus, we’ll look at how the idea of social capitalism might offer a fresh perspective on capitalism and neoliberalism.
Rethinking Social Cohesion: A New Lens on Housing Policy
27 August article
Finally, I will examine how we think about social cohesion, particularly in the context of housing policy here in Aotearoa (the topic of my PhD and one I’m deeply involved in).
Social cohesion is one of those concepts that everyone talks about, but few can clearly define. I argue there is good social cohesion and bad social cohesion and it’s important to consider both for more effective policy practices
How does it intersect with housing? What role does policy play in shaping cohesive communities? And why does it matter, especially now? In Aotearoa, we have a fascinating research gap where social cohesion has not yet been fully integrated into housing policy. Despite its importance in areas like education, health, and immigration, housing policy seems to be lagging. I’ll explore why this is and how we can use social cohesion to address some of our most pressing issues, from social disorder to the challenges posed by an aging and increasingly diverse population.
So buckle up—there's a lot to unpack, and I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride. Let's explore these topics together, share ideas, and maybe even challenge each other's thinking. As always, I’m eager to hear your thoughts, so don't shy away from the comments.
It’s good to be back.
