Terms like "Gen Z", "Boomer" and "Millennial" are popular, but they have no basis in science. Demographers and social scientists are now pushing back. Generational labelling, they argue, is akin to Astrology and while politicians, journalists and media influencers find them irresistible, they actually promote pseudo-science, sew social division and can reinforce prejudicial stereotypes. So why are generational labels so popular?GuestsProfessor Bobby Duffy — Director of the Policy Institute, King's College London. Author of The Generation Myth.Professor Philip Coen — Professor of Sociology, University of MarylandProfessor Crystal Abidin — digital anthropologist and ethnographer of vernacular internet cultures, Curtin UniversityProfessor David Costanza — Professor of Commerce, University of VirginiaFurther informationPhilip Coen’s open letter to Pew Research Center on generation labels Pew Research Center's response
--------
28:38
Could Utopian thinking save democracy?
Why does Utopian thinking get such a bad rap? It’s often derided as delusional and dangerous. But what if that stereotype is designed to limit our imagination and choices? We hear often that people are tired of democracy and turned off by short-term political thinking. So, is it time to be much more adventurous and ambitious – dare we say utopian – in our imagining of the future? GuestsProfessor William Paris – Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto Professor Barbara Prainsack – Professor for Comparative Policy Analysis, University of Vienna Professor Anna Abraham – Director of the Torrance Centre for Creativity and Talent Development
--------
29:08
How to ensure privatisation serves the public good
Privatising public services like trains, hospitals or prisons — is a proven vote loser. But governments of both the left and right continue to privatise — when it suits them. And it suits them, it seems, when large sums of money are needed to pay down debt, or when a government seeks to off load risk and liability to the private sector. So, what conditions should be applied to ensure that privatisations truly serve the public interest and don't simply decrease competition?GuestsOwen Hayford — Strategic legal and commercial adviser, InfralegalNino Bucci — Justice and Courts Reporter, The GuardianRichard Denniss — economist and public policy commentatorProfessor Graeme Samuel — Monash University Business SchoolBenjamin Goodair – Senior post-doctoral researcher, Oxford Universty
--------
29:06
The vicious cycle of fear and anger — and how it traps society
Authoritarians rule through fear. We can clearly see that from China to the Middle East to eastern Europe. But why do we constantly overlook the way in which fear also shapes democratic societies? It's fueling populism and distorting our future focus. Then there's anger. It's inspired generations to man the barricades and right society's wrongs. But anger is increasingly becoming a driver of commerce. There's billions to be made in getting you riled up and keeping you that way. Fear fuels anger, and anger blinds you to recognise that your fear might be misguided. A truly vicious cycle.GuestsErika Ferszt – Owner, founder and lead-consultant, Scintillate Brand ConsultingProfessor Jennifer Lerner – Public Policy, Management and Decision Science, Harvard UniversityProfessor Robert Peckham – historian and Fellow at the Royal Historical Society, LondonMargot Faraci – Global leadership expertFurther informationRobert Peckham – Fear: An Alternative History of the World Margot Faraci - Love Leadership Survey
--------
29:08
Algorithms create a dull conformity — off and online
Algorithmic feeds are meant to personalise our online experiences, but increasingly they're flattening our culture and fostering a dull conformity, according to best-selling author Kyle Chayka. And the influence they exert on our lives is increasingly physical not just digital. Also, data scientist Gloria Mark who has crunched the numbers on how our attention spans have fared over the past decade or so. If you can keep focused, you might find it fascinating.GuestsProfessor Gloria Mark – data scientist and psychologist, Department of Informatics, University of California, IrvineKyle Chayka – author and contributing writer for The New YorkerFurther informationGloria Mark - Attention Span: A Ground Breaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity Kyle Chayka – Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture
Brasil