A year in the life of the Politics Society...
The Politics Society at Sussex plays an integral part in bringing politics students together and inciting debate among them. In 2011-2012, the Society achieved success in both the social and intellectual aspects of its work.
The year began with a visit from the University’s representative in Westminster, Caroline Lucas MP. Ms Lucas addressed around 80 students and staff on everything from cycling in Brighton to the economic crisis, and the experience of being the only Green MP in Parliament. However, without a doubt, the Society’s biggest success was a debate entitled ‘Is Socialism Dead?’ chaired by Professor Tim Bale. The panel consisted of Alex Callinicos (Marxist Historian, Socialist Workers Party), Sam Bowman (Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute) and Sussex tutor Luke Martell. This controversial topic attracted around 150 people, who watched as the three men clashed on issues such as the Occupy movement, democratic socialism and the future for capitalism.
A few weeks later, as Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande became the final presidential candidates, Polsoc took part in a roundtable on the French elections, organised by the Sussex European Institute. Students and staff discussed controversial candidates, electoral probabilities and the country’s unique political traditions.
Another highlight of the year was a thought-provoking talk from David Lammy. The Tottenham MP provided explanations for the August riots, including what he called a hyper-individualistic culture, created by a combination of the social liberalism of the 1960s and the free market, liberal revolution of the 1980s. With many students eager to find out more, Lammy addressed questions on the effectiveness of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, as well as on the representation of minorities.
Lastly, PolSoc hosted Mark Serwotka of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) who had hit the headlines after high profile strikes and outspoken appearances on Question Time. Here at Sussex, he discussed the future for trade unionism under the coalition government and the relationship between trade unions and politics, in particular to the Labour Party.
On the social side of things, 2011 saw students create the PolSoc Film Club. The Club screens both factual and fictional political films, and has enabled students to meet new people in a relaxed environment. Films we have shown so far include The Wave, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, and Lefties: Property is Theft. Our most popular screening, The War You Don’t See by John Pilger, highlighted media coverage of war, and led to heated and exciting debate from students.
PolSoc has also hosted two popular pub quizzes. Everyone from freshers to finalists squeezed in to a busy East Slope Bar, competing with rival teams to win a much-contested prize. The second quiz also raised £85 for the local homeless charity, the Clock Tower Sanctuary.
Interested in getting involved with the Politics Society? You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail politicssoc@ussu.sussex.ac.uk.
India Thorogood
Politics Students with Neil Kinnock