Dignified Living

What kind of a society do we want to live in? What are the priorities and principles that we want to see reflected and played out in the ways our institutions support individuals, households, communities? What are the things – material and non-material – that we can agree are needed to thrive physically, educationally, emotionally, financially? How do we make sure that all are able to live well? How do we make sure that all are able to live with dignity?

These are not new questions. And critically, they are not questions that are either easily answered or which can be ticked off as ‘done’. Rapid social, political, technological and economic development and change over the past 100 years in the UK has provided many ‘solutions’ but has also created new challenges to dignified living. It has never been so easy to connect with each other through technology, and yet arguably society has never been so divided. The past 100 years have seen unprecedented improvements in living standards, and yet a growing number of people in the UK are living in destitution. Life expectancy has increased, and yet there are growing health inequalities within and between communities. Some of these challenges to dignity are things that we can do something about as individuals. But most relate to the structures and institutions which affect and shape the lives of us all.

This is why a focus on dignified living is so important when setting out to describe what living well in 21st Century UK could be, as this document does. So how should we be thinking about dignified living in the UK today? What does this mean in more concrete terms? Ongoing work by the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) identifies the current challenges to dignified living, suggesting ways in which these can be confronted by government, employers and society. For example, how do we ensure that households have the resources they need to meet their minimum needs, across their lives? By paying workers a Real Living Wage which enables them to engage in the world around them, and to participate in social and civic life. By increasing support through the social security system for low-income households, both through boosting incomes and providing support with costs, to tackle and reduce health, education and digital inequalities. By providing clear, evidence-based guidance for workers about how much they will need to have a dignified standard of living in retirement.

Dealing with marginalised groups such as refugees and those from disadvantaged backgrounds with dignity helps individuals in these groups Live Well, but it also creates a more cohesive society to the betterment of everyone. Case studies in this chapter outline interventions that can be made to improve the life changes of these groups, including employment for refugees, prisoner rehabilitation and those receiving end of life care.

Fundamentally, we need to think about how we are supporting and caring for the most vulnerable in our society – the yardstick against which all societies may be measured and a measure we have lost sight of in recent years. Dignified living should be about building a society in which all are valued and respected. A society in which financial security is not just the preserve of the very wealthiest. Where all can contribute to building strong communities, supported by social structures and institutions, underpinned by clear principles of justice, inclusivity, accessibility and fairness.

Foreword authored by Professor Matt Padley, Co-Director at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ's Centre for Research in Social Policy

Case studies

Research by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ's Centre for Research in Social Policy

The Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) is a research centre focused on living standards, income adequacy, and poverty. CRSP conduct the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) research, which determines the income needed for a dignified standard of living. MIS has been used to inform policy decisions, such as the Real Living Wage and disability benefits. CRSP has also conducted MIS research in other countries and applied the approach to areas like digital living standards. 

    Research by Dr Chris Kay, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ's School of Social Sciences and Humanities 

    On July 12, 2024, the government announced a new early release scheme to address prison overcrowding in England and Wales, replacing the End of Custody Supervised License scheme. Under the new scheme, eligible prisoners will be released after serving 40% of their sentence, instead of 50%, and will be supervised by the probation service.

    While this policy aims to reduce overcrowding, concerns remain about its potential impact on reoffending, especially given the increased probation caseloads and reduced staffing levels seen during the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms. Research highlights the importance of strong relationships between offenders and practitioners in reducing reoffending and supporting rehabilitation.

    Two studies demonstrated that consistent and supportive supervision helps offenders build trust and facilitates their desistance from crime. Effective supervision is crucial for both rehabilitation and risk management, emphasizing the need for stable and reliable practitioner-offender relationships.

    Research by Dr Jessica Noske-Turner, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London Institute for Creative Futures; Dr Emma Pullen, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences; Professor Mufunanji Magalasi, University of Malawi; and Jennie Wong, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London

    Addressing stigma is crucial for promoting dignity. Channel 4’s coverage of the Paralympics set a benchmark for innovative coverage and changing attitudes. Inspired by this, the AT2030 project, funded by UK Aid and led by the Global Disability Innovation Hub, launched the Para Sport Against Stigma project in partnership with º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and others.

    The research explores how to produce Paralympic coverage in low-resource settings, create narratives to counter stigma, and engage communities for social change. Using participatory action research, the project involved multiple cycles, including producing local commentary, using Theatre for Development, and creating a toolkit for social change. Findings highlight the importance of localizing storytelling, creating emotive counter-narratives, and addressing challenges in centralized broadcast structures.

    Research by Dr Robyn Smith, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ 

    Conflict, persecution, and climate change have led to a record number of forced migrants globally, with young people being particularly affected. They face significant challenges to their well-being due to traumatic displacement, loss of home, and separation from family. In the UK, these issues are exacerbated, leading to safety concerns, mental health issues, loneliness, and reduced quality of life.

    A three-year participatory action research project in North West London explored how community sport and leisure activities can support the well-being of young refugees. Data was collected through interviews, youth participatory methods, and observations. Key insights revealed that young people valued safety, social inclusion, and emotional well-being. While community sport and leisure activities supported these aspects, they could also be sites of social exclusion and re-traumatization. The study emphasized the importance of a trauma-informed approach, social inclusion efforts, and mental health support through structured and enjoyable activities.

    Key themes

    1. Anti-Stigmatising Practices and Processes - Anti-Stigma entails efforts aim to reduce negative attitudes and discrimination towards individuals based on certain characteristics or conditions, such as mental health issues, drug and alcohol use, criminal and/or offending histories or disabilities. These efforts involve raising awareness, promoting understanding, and encouraging inclusive behaviours.
    1. Strong Relationships - Strong relationships are built on trust and consistency, underpinned by a foundation of care and empathy. Those in positions of authority should actively listen, engage others in identifying their needs and goals, and respond to concerns while always honouring their commitments. Support and encouragement are essential, fostering engagement to break down barriers and create opportunities, thereby promoting dignified living.
    1. Caring and Compassionate Practice - Caring and compassionate practice involves providing support and care that is rooted in empathy, respect, and dignity. It goes beyond the clinical aspects to include a genuine concern for the well-being of individuals.

    Key themes

    Anti-stigmatising practices and processes

    Anti-Stigma entails efforts aim to reduce negative attitudes and discrimination towards individuals based on certain characteristics or conditions, such as mental health issues, drug and alcohol use, criminal and/or offending histories or disabilities. These efforts involve raising awareness, promoting understanding, and encouraging inclusive behaviours.

    Strong relationships

    Strong relationships are built on trust and consistency, underpinned by a foundation of care and empathy. Those in positions of authority should actively listen, engage others in identifying their needs and goals, and respond to concerns while always honouring their commitments. Support and encouragement are essential, fostering engagement to break down barriers and create opportunities, thereby promoting dignified living.

    Caring and compassionate practice

    Caring and compassionate practice involves providing support and care that is rooted in empathy, respect, and dignity. It goes beyond the clinical aspects to include a genuine concern for the well-being of individuals.