In 2024, over 120 million people have been displaced due to war and political instability, yet many countries, including the UK, have tightened their borders against refugees (European Commission, 2024). At the same time, there is a growing crackdown on climate and environmental protesters, with increasing global suppression of dissent as crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution escalate (Berglund et al., 2025). Additionally, the rising cost of living disproportionately affects populations worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing a 24% surge in food prices between 2020 and 2022 (International Monetary Fund, 2024).
Social harm provides a conceptual framework and meta-analytical approach to examine these interconnected challenges. By linking seemingly distinct social phenomena to underlying structural factors, the social harm perspective moves beyond narrow definitions of harm which are reflected in national and international criminal laws (Hillyard and Tombs, 2007; Pemberton, 2015). The approach highlights injurious acts often perpetrated by structural systems and processes, as well as the behaviour of political and economic elites—which typically are not illegal but have devastating consequences for society. The framework underscores the importance of addressing unfairness, inequality, exclusion, and indifference, serving as a powerful tool to advocate for positive societal change.
The Social Policy Association (SPA) Social Harm Policy Group welcomes submissions from undergraduate and taught masters students currently enrolled at universities worldwide to submit an essay on the topic of social harm
Essay topic
How does the social harm lens enable investigation into a pressing contemporary societal issue?
Submission guidelines
- Essays must be a maximum of 2,000 words (excluding references).
- Submissions should be in English and follow Harvard referencing style.
- The use of AI-assisted writing tools is not permitted.
- Please submit your entries to Nasrul.Ismail@bristol.ac.uk, ensuring you include your correspondence address, university name, programme of study, and a valid university email address for further communication.
Prizes
Two winners will be selected:
- Undergraduate student winner – £100 cash prize, sponsored by the UK Social Policy Association, plus £100 book vouchers, sponsored by Bristol University Press.
- Postgraduate taught student winner – £100 cash prize, sponsored by the UK Social Policy Association, plus £100 book vouchers, sponsored by Bristol University Press.
Winning essays will also be considered for publication in the Justice, Power and Resistance journal, offering an opportunity for academic recognition.
All entrants will be invited to attend an online prize-giving ceremony scheduled for June 2025.
Judging panel
The essays will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of experts, including:
- Professor Christina Pantazis, University of Bristol
- Dr Emma Wincup, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Dr Luke Telford, University of York
- Dr Michelle Addison, Durham University
Key dates
- Competition Launch: 10th February 2025
- Submission Deadline: 30th April 2025
- Notification of Results: 31st May 2025
- Presentation of Award: 10th June 2025
About the Social Harm Policy Group
The Social Harm Policy Group consists of 12 members from six leading institutions: the University of Bristol, Durham University, University of York, University of Birmingham, University of Oxford, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Funded by the Social Policy Association, the group is dedicated to advancing knowledge of social harm in relation to contemporary societal challenges. Our work includes:
- Reviewing policy developments in the UK and internationally
- Organising events to stimulate academic and public debate
- Building networks to connect researchers, educators, and students
- Producing materials for teaching and learning in social policy
To learn more about our Social Harm Policy Group, please visit the SPA website here.
Contact information
For enquiries about the competition, please email Nasrul.Ismail@bristol.ac.uk.
