Identities and Social Action is a five year research programme funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. The programme runs from 2004 to 2008 and is directed by Professor Margaret Wetherell, Open University. The ESRC has invested £4 million in 25 research projects based in universities around the UK. These projects will deepen our understanding of the processes involved in the making of selves, groups and communities.

• How do people construct a sense of identity these days?
• What are the consequences of the identity paths chosen?
• How do identity choices intensify or ease social conflict?
• What is it like to build an identity in situations of social exclusion?

The programme focuses on the attempts of people with very different trajectories and from very different contexts to build communities and ‘liveable lives'.

For further information please visit the website at www.identities.org.uk.