Editor's note

Are gender differences in personality traits or career choices an inherent part of us or the result of social conditioning? A new study which found such differences more pronounced in countries with more equal opportunities seemed to suggest the former. The argument goes that women in these countries, for example, are freer to follow their “intrinsic” female preferences. But Elisa Bellotti argues that the research can more convincingly be explained as demonstrating just how strong the pressure to conform to gender stereotypes is.

After the weekend’s people’s vote march, calls continue for a referendum on the final Brexit deal. But Joseph Lacey argues that those who want to see a remain option on the ballot are missing an important point.

The UK has some of the worst outcomes in the developed world for children’s health, social care, education, youth justice and poverty. Yet other countries such as Canada, Holland and Finland place children’s interests front and centre. Sir Al Aynsley-Green investigates the depth of the British state’s betrayal of childhood, and considers how it can set things right.

You might have seen headlines warning that the swarms of ladybirds gathering in homes this year are STI-carrying cannibals. But Rachel Farrow explains why these stories are more harmful than any ladybird is.

Stephen Harris

Commissioning + Science Editor

Top stories

Tijana M/Shutterstock

Study shows equality frees women to follow traditional gender choices – or does it?

Elisa Bellotti, University of Manchester

Gender differences in jobs and attitudes are wider in countries with more equality, but that's not the end of the story.

EPA

People’s vote on Brexit: everyone seems to be missing this key point

Joseph Lacey, University College Dublin

Has anyone asked the EU if it actually wants the UK back now?

Shutterstock.

British state betrayed its children – these countries can teach us how to set things right

Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Nottingham Trent University

The harsh realities of being a child in austerity-driven Britain – revealed.

Sometimes thousands of ladybirds will ‘overwinter’ in the same spot, which experts say is normal behaviour and nothing for homeowners to be alarmed about. David Lovejoy

Mythbusting the story of the STI-carrying cannibal ladybirds

Rachel Farrow, Anglia Ruskin University

According to experts, ladybirds are no more dangerous than they were before.

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