Fair and Just World

The Life in the UK Citizenship Test plays a vital role in the immigration process, yet it has been widely criticised for its complexity and cultural bias.

Essex psychology research is informing improvements to ensure the test better reflects real-life civic knowledge and supports integration, fairness, and transparency in immigration policy.

In societies with a history of conflict, promoting dual or shared identities can reduce division.

Our researchers found that when individuals in Northern Ireland embraced both British and Irish aspects of identity, they showed more openness, empathy, and willingness to engage across group lines. This work highlights how identity can be a bridge, not a barrier.

How people remember and interpret the past can maintain or disrupt systems of inequality.

Psychology students and staff examine how reframing collective memory, especially around colonialism, race, and gender, can challenge the status quo and support movements for justice and reparative change.

Our work has shown that one barrier to seeking support after sexual violence is that many women struggle to see themselves as victims, especially in ambiguous situations.

When asked to take a third-person or friend’s perspective, participants were more likely to recognise coercion. We also found that consent is perceived differently depending on alcohol consumption patterns, especially when one person drinks significantly more than the other.

These findings suggest that education around alcohol, consent, and self-distancing techniques could play a key role in helping people process experiences and access support.