The social evils debate
In 2007, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation started a UK-wide debate to find out what are the social evils of the 21st century.
Thousands of people told us what they thought these were. Common themes included drugs and alcohol, crime and violence, and decline of the family.
Underlying these, some other themes emerged – including a perception of a decline in values, fear of others, inequality and a lack of community.
These issues were explored further by key social commentators in a series of debates in 2008, recordings of which are available to download below. Their views were published in a series of publications, also available below.
Finally, a book - Contemporary Social Evils - was published, summarising the findings, including further research with disadvantaged groups, and looking forward.