On 16th January 2014, we were able to showcase our research in a multi-disciplinary event entitled, ‘Towards a Better Childhood: Changes in Value Orientation for Sustainable Consumption'.
Our innovative research showcase had three aims: a) develop awareness, policy, and advocacy; b) promote networking; and c) build interdisciplinary research. The event consisted of two parts. In the first, we presented our main findings on how a consumerist orientation impacts children’s well-being. In the second, we hosted a multi-disciplinary panel discussion with leading academics, policy-makers, and campaigners to address the issue of whether a less consumerist orientation in children can help to support both well-being and sustainable consumption in the future. Our high-powered panel included:
- Prof. Richard Wilkinson, whose work on inequalities and well-being is best known through his book The Spirit Level;
- Saamah Abdallah, Senior Researcher on Well-Being at the New Economics Foundation;
- Prof. Jonathan Chapman, whose interdisciplinary work on sustainable design is showcased in Emotionally Durable Design;
- Prof. David Buckingham, whose media and communications research is summarised in The Material Child;
- Prof. Andy Stirling, at the Science and Technology Policy Unit at the University of Sussex, who authored From Sustainability, through Diversity to Transformation; and
- Prof. Agnes Nairn, engaged in research and campaigning work regarding marketing to children, who led the UNICEF-funded project on the role of materialism and inequality in Child Well-being in the UK, Spain, and Sweden.
The panel discussion was informed by questions generated by the audience after our research presentation, which included parents, educational policy makers, researchers and academics, as well as campaigners (e.g., LOKA, Child Eyes, Beat). The research presentation and panel discussion were filmed, and we are in the process of generating two video clip synopses to be featured on the project website. The feedback we collected on the day was enthusiastic. 100% of those who completed the feedback from enjoyed the event, 75% reported that they benefitted from the research presentation, and 62% were very positive about the opportunities to engage in discussion. Here are some examples of qualitative comments: “Awesome. Better than Radio 4!”; “Wide range of views from different disciplines. Panel discussion very good choice and range”; “Interactivity, comments of audience were linked to statements of the panel”.
The event programme can be found here.