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How it feels to be in between ‘straight’ and ‘plus’ size in a fast-fashion world

How it feels to be in between ‘straight’ and ‘plus’ size in a fast-fashion world

Fast fashion has become a hot topic of conversation, with numerous online discourses. These discourses surround the ethics of buying cheaper, poorly made clothes compared to buying expensive, sustainable clothing. Discourse also extends to the argument that buying any new clothing is unsustainable, with the focus being on buying second-hand. I have been trying my …

Only MEN in GOVERNMENT?

Only MEN in GOVERNMENT?

Challenging the Taliban’s belief that women have no place in politics.  On 7th September, the Taliban announced that they had formed the new Government of Afghanistan after they took control of more than 90% of the country and seized Kabul, the capital, last month. From Prime Minister to Interior Minister, the 33 roles have been …

Obesity: a social problem, not an individual one

Obesity: a social problem, not an individual one

In light of obesity becoming more widespread, especially amongst those living in poverty, the government needs to recognise that obesity is a social problem, not an individual one. Recently, the King’s Fund released a report on obesity in the UK which said that obesity is fast becoming “a disease of England’s poorest people”. They show …

Don’t touch my hair!

Don’t touch my hair!

Non-straight hair is beautiful, normal, and above all human. While we have made strides in becoming a more inclusive society, Western Eurocentric beauty ideals are still ingrained in our society, creating a society that is hostile towards non-European physical features. The standardisation of straight hair is due to straight hair being the common hair type …

Battling my need to prove myself as a woman in sport

Battling my need to prove myself as a woman in sport

Being exposed to stereotypes about women in sport has given me a complicated relationship with both sport and my own body. If you are a woman, you have most likely been subjected to stereotypes when participating in sports. I cannot remember how many times I have heard sentiments like women being “weak”, “slow”, “clumsy”, or …

Would a four-day working week improve our wellbeing?

Would a four-day working week improve our wellbeing?

With Scotland trialling a four-day working week, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits for those already struggling. After trials in countries such as Iceland and New Zealand, Scotland is going to follow their lead in trialling a four-day working week. The news came following reports suggesting 80% of people surveyed would prefer to work …

How Community Cohesion Will Save Us From Ourselves

How Community Cohesion Will Save Us From Ourselves

It’s an innate trait of humans to need other people — to rely on other people for survival. This naturistic concept goes way back to tribal times where, without your community you would not survive. So why, all of a sudden, have we decided that we no longer need that? Why have we chosen to …