Arts and Society
Influencing the cultural conversation
Arts and Society
Influencing the cultural conversation
Social psychologist Hugh Mackay on kindness
Hugh Mackay has been studying the human condition for over 60 years. In his new book, The Kindness Revolution, he explores how the tendency of Australians to be compassionate in catastrophic times like bushfires - and now the pandemic - might become a more permanent feature of our daily lives.
Eight tips for helping with learning in lockdown
Parents should see themselves as ‘lockdown learning supervisors’, not their child’s teacher, says Education Professor Garry Falloon, who has some pointers to help parents cope until kids get back to school.
New book captures the magic when under-5s meet art
Long before children start school, they are revealing themselves as savvy cultural citizens who can show grown-ups a thing or two about enjoying art, a new book co-authored by Macquarie University researchers reveals.
The unshakeable beliefs that could be fuelling COVID-19
Many Australians believe symptoms such as fever, aches and chills do not make them contagious – pointing to a chink in our pandemic-fighting armour, says Macquarie University anthropologist Associate Professor Lisa Wynn.
Please explain: What's behind people's obsession with their pets?
Some people are obsessed with their pets, they sleep with them in the bed, spend thousands on them and won't travel without them, while others feel nothing when it comes to animals. Where does this difference in connection come from? Macquarie University philosopher Dr Jane Johnson explains.
Who is Douglas Grant? New film reveals hidden Australian hero
The Skin of Others by Macquarie University documentary-maker Tom Murray began as a film about a brave and pioneering Aboriginal man, but evolved over nearly 10 years into much more besides.
The reality of high-rise loneliness during COVID-19
Macquarie University researchers have gained a unique insight into the experience of high-rise living during COVID-19.
Please explain: What makes a happy family?
Conflict will arise in every family – it is how members deal with it that makes the difference, explains Emeritus Professor of Social Psychology at Macquarie University, Dr Julie Fitness.
Social media changed the game for Indigenous activism: new book
Social media has mobilised Indigenous people across the globe. Professor Bronwyn Carlson, Head of the Department of Indigenous Studies, is the co-editor of a new book that explores the rise of Indigenous-led activism on social media.
Colour-blind casting delivers fresh take on Anne Boleyn: review
The latest dramatisation of the downfall of Henry VIII's second wife brings new perspectives to a story we clearly find irresistible, writes Macquarie University literature specialist and Anne Boleyn scholar Dr Stephanie Russo.
Count me in: What to expect from the 2021 Census
What’s the point of the five-yearly Census? Macquarie University geographer Dr Andrew Burridge gives a brief history and explains why it’s important.
United by anger: Why Japanese people are against the Tokyo Olympics
As a pandemic-exhausted world celebrates the delayed 2020 Games, some Japanese citizens remain adamantly opposed. Macquarie University Japan specialist Dr Thomas Baudinette explains what’s behind their protests.