NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People: Minding the Knowledge Gaps
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: There is a growing awareness that although lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people, aged over fifty, will in part share a common reality with all older people, their lives will be strongly and sometimes negatively affected by the social organisation of gender and sexuality within society, both in terms of the legacy of the past and present circumstances. For our purposes we are counting people over 50 as 'older' but not necessarily 'old'. The social and legal environment, in which these people have lived their lives has changed significantly over the course of their lifetime. Those who came out or transitioned in earlier decades faced considerable challenges while those coming out or transitioning in later years do so in a very different context. Different generations of LGBT people and the age at which they identified as LGBT and came out or transitioned will have been shaped by the prevailing social attitudes and norms of the time. Despite a growing number of academic researchers who are investigating the lives and needs of older LGBT people, in addition to recent legal and policy changes that have sought to promote equality, there remain some issues that have not been addressed adequately. This seminar series will bring together academics, policy makers, service providers and older LGBT activists and community members to debate major gaps that exist in knowledge and practice and to formulate ways to address them. Based on a thorough review of existing studies and through work with academics, policy makers, service providers and older LGBT people six one-day seminars are planned to cover areas where knowledge is currently lacking: older bisexual people's lives; older trans people's experiences; race, ethnicity and religion in older LGBT people's lives; economics, resources and social networks; intergenerational issues; and health and social care. Each seminar will commence with two guest speakers, followed by a question and answer session. Subsequently, a workshop will take place during which delegates will be asked to formulate two 'points of action', things that they could do in a professional or personal capacity that would bridge a current gap in knowledge and ultimately benefit older LGBT people. A final showcase conference at the end of the seminar series will allow delegates to review progress on their 'points of action', to consider challenges and successes and to think about what steps need to be taken next. Overall, the seminar series is concerned to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, to fill in gaps in existing knowledge.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES;1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: The Market and Health Care Production
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The importance of health care to the economy and society, and its rising cost, mean that governments are constantly searching for ways to increase productivity and promote innovation. The use of market mechanisms in health care is a key component of current reforms to health care delivery in many countries. The political appeal is simple: competition fosters productivity in the rest of the economy, so it will in health care too. But the evidence base is mixed, limited and comes predominantly from the USA, which is an outlier compared to most other health care systems At the same time as the greater use of market mechanisms has been promoted, from other quarters have come calls for greater integration in health care delivery and doubts raised about whether competition can deliver the step changes required. In the UK at present, for example, there is vociferous opposition to the greater use of market forces in the Coalition government's Health and Social Care Bill. In the USA, Obama's Affordable Care Act includes proposals for greater integration between health care providers and insurers. All these factors mean that understanding the applicability of, and the limits to, market forces in health care is of highest priority. The over-arching question I seek to answer is under what conditions will the greater use of market mechanisms be beneficial for the users and payors of health care services. Within this over-arching question I will address two broad questions: How strong is the support for the use of competition and choice in health care and what evidence is there that integrated care models or command and control can do better? How do market forces affect the labour market and the behaviour of health workers? Within these broad questions, I will address a range of specific issues. These include whether price regulation is needed to make competition in health care work; the role of information in increasing quality; whether choice of family doctors improves their quality; the extent to which production should be concentrated into high volume units, and whether pay structures for managers of public hospitals reward good performance and good management and how not-for-profit hospital behave when faced with competition compared to for-profits. These issues are all central to understanding how health care is best produced. Our present knowledge is partial and this limits the policy makers in their search for solutions that will improve the efficiency of the health care sector. My research agenda will be coupled with a strong impact agenda to translate and disseminate these, and the findings of other scholars, to inform the development of better policy. I have a long track record of active engagement with policy makers and industry participants: this fellowship will give me the opportunity to spend more time ensuring that research findings have maximum impact.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: New cultural contradictions in modern consumer societies: A political economy perspective using multi-level analysis
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: Researchers have long been interested in promoting the social and economic arrangements for human welfare. As our societies become more complex, the challenges we face appear more profound forcing us to rethink our ideas about how we live our lives, our lifestyles and the impacts of our lifestyle choices on others around us. This international research project will investigate patterns of household consumption and social impacts within modern consumer societies like the UK. The research will examine and report on the distribution of living standards and conditions within and between countries. That some lives are characterised by a lack of resources - 'the poor' in consumer societies - while others have excessive lifestyles and consumption levels effecting the wellbeing of others (and future generations) due to emissions and the by-products of waste. In my research project, disparities within and between societies, and ethical and global justice issues, come to the fore. The recognition of the need to use our resources better and more fairly, in a new era of degrowth, connects with the changing discourse of sustainable social justice. The findings from this research will feed directly into policy deliberations inside and outside government, including discussion about household consumption, household green emissions and household energy consumption in modern consumer societies and the social impacts on living standards, and the environment. The project will also offer valuable lessons and advice for consumers on how best to reduce emissions and prepare for the effects of a changing climate. This research will help to raise public and government understanding and awareness of the impacts of consumption in modern consumer societies.


Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Ethnic inequalities in child development and health: an examination and comparison across the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand
Funder: Medical Research Council

Abstract: Ethnic minorities in the UK, the US and New Zealand (NZ) have worse health and die younger than the white majority. There are important differences in the processes that have led to the ethnic makeup of the populations in these countries, including ethnic relations and motivations for and patterns of migration or colonisation. Causal factors of ethnic health inequalities may therefore differ across countries, leading to variations in the patterning of inequalities. This project will explore which factors influence the health and development of ethnic minority and white majority children during the early years of childhood, and lead to health inequalities as they grow up. Three cohort studies and one cross-national dataset will be analysed, which provide detailed information on ethnic minority and white majority children's mental and physical health and development, as well as information about their families, schools, neighbourhoods and national context. Comparing the health of ethnic groups in these national settings will help us to better understand which factors lead to these different and avoidable health profiles, and will help inform policy makers about what are the key features that can be reduced, or promoted, in other to tackle preventable ethnic inequalities in health.


Research activity codes: 2.3 PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS;1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Are we there yet? Using the Bristol Approach to examine trends in absolute poverty in sub Saharan Africa between 1995 and 2015.
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: This project will provide reliable, high quality data for assessing trends in poverty in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) between 1995 and 2015. The region contains many of the world's poorest countries, and as the 2015 deadline for the internationally-agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) approaches, it is important to know whether or not poverty in the region is falling. Using an internationally-accepted definition of absolute poverty, and a ground-breaking peer-reviewed methodology, the project will use nationally-representative household surveys, with individual-level data, to develop age- and gender- relevant indicators of deprivation for basic needs. These data and indicators will be used to answer a series of important questions about the extent and distribution of poverty in SSA. For example, do women and girls make up a disproportionate share of the poor in Africa? Is poverty reduction occurring more rapidly in urban areas than in rural areas? Which counties in SSA have achieved the largest reductions in poverty, and how have they achieved this? Has child poverty declined at the same rate as adult poverty? What are the implications for policy of using different methods to measure poverty in Africa? Data produced by the research will allow for the creation of thematic maps, which will reveal graphically the countries/regions making most progress in reducing poverty and deprivation of basic needs. These data will be of interest to and can be used by academics across a range of disciplines, policy makers, non-governmental organisations and international development agencies interested in poverty and development in SSA. The work is important because existing indicators of extreme poverty, like the World Bank's $1/day measure, have been roundly criticised on both theoretical and methodological grounds. Critics have demonstrated that such indicators underestimate the extent of poverty, and as such are not reliable of valid measures. This project will demonstrate that meaningful alternative indicators can be developed and used to show how levels of poverty in SSA have changed over time. It builds on earlier work done by the University of Bristol for UNICEF and the UK DfID, which made a significant impact in the ways in which poverty is conceptualised, defined and measured. For example, the methods of poverty measurement and indicators developed by the University of Bristol now form a core part of UNICEF's Global Study of Child Poverty and Disparities, being conducted in over 50 countries around the world, including India and China. This new project will provide data to show whether or not anti-poverty policies applied in sub Saharan African countries over the last twenty years have been successful.


Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Estimating Census Health Geographies: using synthetic estimation with secondary survey and census data
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The 2011 Population Census was almost certainly the last to be undertaken using traditional methods of survey completion. It is acknowledged however that there will continue to be a requirement for comprehensive data on small area variations on a range of topics for service planning, evaluation and many other needs. This continuing need extends across the public and private sectors. Alternative approaches to the provision of small area data exist. Most attention, in the context of post 2011 census debates, has focussed on the potential for record linkage arguing that much present census data is available, in some form, in other databases. An alternative, less-explored approach is small area synthetic estimation (SASE). Essentially two approaches to SASE are available: microsimulation and multilevel SASE (ML-SASE). Both approaches entail the integration of secondary data from survey sources and subsequent statistical modelling. This proposal focusses, in line with expertise of the investigators, on ML-SASE. It will assess the effectiveness of linking secondary survey data with ML-SASE as an alternative route to the production of census-equivalent small area data. It builds on ESRC's secondary data investment in the 2011 census and exploits ESRC managed access to a range of national surveys. It also builds on earlier work in developing the small area estimation techniques that form the basis for the proposal. We will compare and contrast different approaches to ML-SASE, generating estimates for four health indicators present in all national versions of the 2011 UK census using survey data collected at the same time as the Census. Further comparison will then be made between the generated estimates and the actual results of the 2011 census to examine the extent to which estimates match census 'reality'. The originality of the proposal lies in addressing the relative neglect ML-SASE in current work on census futures. The proposal will also develop and enhance ML-SASE methodology to move beyond now standard approaches and draw benefit from recent advances in multilevel modelling. The substantive practical and policy contribution flowing from the proposed research will be a significant enhancement to the the evidence base underpinning policy debates on approaches to the replacement of the traditional census. The data generated will be relevant to the key ESRC strategic challenges on influencing behaviour and developing a free and fair society


Research activity codes: 1.4 METHODOLOGIES AND MEASUREMENTS;2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Social connections and well-being in older adults
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: There are major demographic shifts throughout the world and the absolute number and proportion of older adults is increasing rapidly not only in the UK and Europe but also in middle income nations such as India and China. Promoting the well-being of the population is a focus for most governments, so it is crucial to understand what affects well-being in older adults and to identify the policy levers that can promote well-being. Many older people report that social relationships are particularly important to them, so our project focuses on different aspects of social relationships and how these are related to well-being. The term 'well-being' means different things to different people and can include life satisfaction, quality of life, and feelings of happiness. Social relationships can include contact with family or friends, how people feel about their communities, participation in various activities or groups and feelings of loneliness. Each of these may affect each dimension of well-being in different ways and are likely to vary depending on cultural factors. People who are poorer, those with an illness and those who are carers usually have low levels of well-being and we would like to know how social relationships affect well-being in these groups. Changes in well-being in older age are still poorly understood. As we have data on different aspects of well-being spanning several years, we will be able to see how these change over time and how these changes relate to changes in social relationships. This study is a collaboration between an academic group at University College London and a policy think-tank working on issues of ageing and longevity (the International Longevity Centre - UK), and will clarify these relationships using data from large cohorts of older adults from England, across Europe and India. We anticipate that findings from this study will help policy makers and practitioners develop policies and interventions that can help improve well-being in older age groups.


Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: This research aims to: 1. Establish a dynamic and international network on ageing and well-being in a globalising world, with a specific focus on demography and social policy; 2. Exchange of information and expertise on: * population ageing and migration in a globalized context, especially people left behind * intergenerational care, health and well-being * a participatory approach to healthy ageing 3. Build complementary knowledge to * create new insights in theoretical approaches and methodologies * inform social policies and interventions The network will co-author joint articles and proposals for further collaboration, carry out capacity building and mentoring of young researchers, and provide a link between academic research and NGOs and policy makers


Research activity codes: 1.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (UNDERPINNING);1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: The welfare state under strain: A comparative study of diversity, austerity and public opinion
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: Our objective is to improve understanding of the changing determinants of public opinion towards welfare state institutions and policies in European societies in response to the pressures of diversity and economic austerity. We aim to answer four key questions: (i) What is the impact of diversity on welfare attitudes, and how are these influenced by national context? (ii) What is the impact of austerity on welfare attitudes, and how do these effects interact with the effects of diversity? How are these effects mediated by national context? (iii) How do public attitudes to welfare change over time, and what role do political messages and messengers play in driving this change? How are these changes and effects mediated by national context? (iv) To what extent are the effects of diversity and austerity, and their interaction, moderated by voters' political ideologies, values and partisan attachments? What role does national context play in influencing these complex patterns of interaction? To answer these questions, we plan to conduct a 30 month, five wave comparative panel study in Britain and the Netherlands. The panel will feature a series of embedded survey experiments designed to test the impact of diversity, austerity, and various moderators on political attitudes. The experiments will be designed to mimic media and campaign content concerning welfare policies, realistically reflecting the kind of material voters are exposed to when assessing policies. Identical experiments will be conducted simultaneously in the two countries, which will enable us for the first time to examine how national context mediates the effects of these factors on public opinion. We will also capture attitude change over time by surveying the same voters repeatedly, and we will examine the impact of the most powerful source of political information - election campaigns - by timing these repeated survey waves before and immediately after European Parliament and national elections. The data generated by the project will be made publicly available and will provide a valuable resource to the research community: comparative panel surveys are rare, and to our knowledge none has ever incorporated simultaneous comparative embedded experiments in the manner we propose.


Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Gay Father Families
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The study will explore the early social experiences and development of infants raised from birth by gay fathers in the UK, France, and The Netherlands. Infants and parents will be observed interacting when the infants are four months old, and the parents will be interviewed at the same time. When the infants are 12 months old, the quality of their attachments to their parents will be assessed using Ainsworth's Strange Situation procedure. The parental behaviour of these fathers and the quality of the relationships formed between the infants and their parents will be compared with those of infants being raised by lesbian and heterosexual couples. All infants will be conceived using reproductive technologies, including donor insemination and surrogacy, to ensure comparability. In addition, the study will explore the extent to which the quality of infant-parent attachment at one-year is predicted by individual differences in the parents' behaviour and indices of their social circumstances when the infants are four months old. The study will be the first to examine families where children are raised in gay father families from birth. It will allow us to determine whether infants 'need' women to be involved in their early care and emotional lives, as many still believe; and whether infants raised not only by two men, but two men with same-sex orientation, are as likely to develop normally as those raised from birth by heterosexual parents or by two women with same-sex orientation. Sufficiently large samples will be recruited in each country to allow exploration of the extent to which legal and cultural differences affect parental behaviour and infant adjustment.


Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE