Marriage Debate - What Debate?

To debate an issue, according to most dictionaries, is to engage in argument by discussing opposing ideas, or to deliberate and consider various views. The freedom to engage in rigorous debate is one of the primary indicators of a healthy society.

By any standard definition, the current ‘debate’ about the future status and potential redefining of marriage – and therefore family – which is often mentioned by Prime Minister David Cameron, is no debate at all.

As things stand, there is no public and even-handed airing of issues for and against. There is no careful deliberation about what changes made today will mean for society as a whole – psychologically, sociologically or economically.

And no consideration is being given to what changes made today might mean for future generations.

Instead, we hear in the main only one side of the argument. In the public forum, it is presented as a fait accompli, largely by members of various elites who seem to feel that they are, by design of Nature, the final arbiters of social mores.

The Law Society provides a good example. Representing as it does the interests of lawyers in England and Wales, this group presumably respects proven social institutions and current laws.

It seems... click here to read the full editorial

Social Comment - Press, Media, New Media

2020Plus is involved in ongoing research into many of the major social issues of our time and their likely impact on individuals, families and communities over the next decade.

We provide expert comment for all branches of the media and new media. Our goal is to help individuals and communities to better engage future change.

Mal Fletcher is a respected social futurist and social commentator who is often called upon for expert views on social issues for TV, radio, the press and the 'new media' in various parts of the world.

As a social futurist, he tracks major social shifts and writes, lectures and broadcasts about their likely future impact on business, organisations and the wider society. He has been working as a social commentator since the late 1980s.

His work features on BBC Breakfast TV, Sky News, BBC World News, BBC Radio (e.g. Radio 5Live & regional stations), ABC Australia and many other media and press outlets in the UK and Europe.

"Mal Fletcher is an astute observer of the changes in western culture milieu. He seems to be able to intertwine the meaning behind sociological changes together with the values of the time and interpret what this means to a broad audience."

- Stephen Austin, Presenter, ABC Radio Australia

"Mal Fletcher combines a serious intellect and a passionate approach to his craft of social analysis with an engaging communication style that makes him a superb media guest. Highly recommended."

- Sheridan Voysey, Presenter, OpenHouse radio programme, Australia

• The Sexualisation of Children
  Sky News(Video)
• Bad News Media?
  BBC Breakfast (Video)
• Do The Private Values Of Public Leaders Affect Their Performance?
  BBC World News (Video)
• Do Young People Appreciate Their Parents?
  BBC TV Breakfast (Video)
• The Great British House Cleaning of 2011 (Riots)
  BBC Radio (Audio)
• Teens & Celebrity Culture
  BBC Radio 5 Live (Audio)
• For more samples click here

• the social impact of new & emerging technologies: their influence on on ethics, values and the way we think
• the pyschological & social impact of rapid change: the impact on people and society of rapid change in all areas of technology, ethics etc (incl. privacy issues)
• futurism, emerging trends: in tech & society
• changes in media & new media: especially their social impact
• family issues: the place of family in society, debates about the nature of family, strengthening the family
• youth issues: including: violence & gangs, alcoholism (Mal Fletcher founded a very large youth network in Australia in the 80s-90s - 60,000 young people - and has helped found similar organisations in Europe)
• leadership issues: values & ethics of civic & business leadership; the changing face of leadership in the age of social networking & new media
• celebrity culture: especially its social impact and impact on young people
• consumer trends: changes in consumer habits & values post-recession; the 'new frugalism' & the social impact of hyper-consumerism
• generational issues: including the links & tensions between the major generations of our time