Parallel Lives: 25 Years On - Findings from our first year of research

Almost 25 years after Professor Ted Cantle’s landmark report revealed the problem of “parallel lives” - where people live side by side but rarely connect - this webinar explores the latest findings from new research into what helps or hinders meaningful interaction between different groups.

While much past research has focused on what happens after positive contact occurs, this ESRC-funded project - led by academics from the Universities of East Anglia, Oxford, and Bristol - looks at what predicts contact in the first place. Using data from the Understanding Society survey and other UK government and census datasets, the team examined when and for whom neighbourhood diversity translates into meaningful intergroup friendships.

This event will be of particular interest to academics, policymakers, and practitioners working to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion.

Hear the latest findings from the research team and learn how Belong is helping to translate these insights into practical tools for policymakers and local leaders.

The research aims to:

• Improve understanding of intergroup contact engagement and contribute to interventions and policy measures aimed at building social cohesion
• Identify the conditions needed for successful intergroup contact
• Allow targeted interventions tailored to different populations/locations by exploring the drivers of intergroup contact amongst different groups, and in different localities

About the project partners

The Belong Network is working in partnership with Professor Rose Meleady (University of East Anglia), Professor Shelley McKeown (University of Oxford), and Professor George Leckie (University of Bristol) to conduct this important study. Belong Advisor Jo Broadwood is a Co-Investigator on the study and together with Jeni Vine, Belong’s Research and Development Manager is leading on this project for Belong.

For any questions or more information about this event or any of Belong Network’s work go to www.belongnetwork.co.uk or contact: hello@belongnetwork.co.uk