The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce)

Today we announced a major new study analysing six billion friendships in the UK using anonymised Facebook data, in partnership with BIT, Meta, Stripe Partners, and Neighbourly Lab - funded by the Nuffield Foundation. The research found that children who grow up in areas where people from different economic backgrounds become friends earn around £5,000 more per year as adults. Economic connectedness is the second most important factor in predicting upward mobility, after median income. Unlike in the US, friendships in the UK are less divided by class, but former industrial areas have fewer cross-class connections. These early findings can be used to inform policies and programmes aimed at increasing social mobility, with hobby groups, sports teams and attending higher education all providing particularly effective routes to encouraging friendships across income groups. Read more: https://thersa.co/4bUtSrb

New UK study reveals that friendships across socioeconomic lines have a strong relationship with future earnings and social mobility. ➡️ BIT and partners The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce), Stripe Partners, Neighbourly Lab funded by Nuffield Foundation, worked with Meta and researchers at Stanford and Opportunity Insights to analyse 6 billion friendships in the UK using anonymised Facebook data. They found that: 🔹 Children who grow up in areas where people from different economic backgrounds become friends earn around £5,000 more per year as adults 🔹 Economic connectedness is the second most important factor in predicting upward mobility, after median income 🔹 Friendships in the UK are less divided across socioeconomic lines than in the US, but former industrial regions show much lower rates of economic connectedness These early findings can be used to inform polices and programmes aimed at increasing social mobility. The next phase of research will look at some of those options. 🔗 link in comments to explore the interactive map of social connectedness in the UK and download the research summary.

If you’re a student or educator join our second free RSA Spark learning workshop this Wednesday 26 March 1-2pm GMT, on exploring diverse perspectives when innovating in ways that do more good for people, places and the planet. Hosted by Catherine Pineo in this online workshop you’ll discover how different issues are connected. You’ll explore different points of possibility and discover where you (or your team) can have the most impact and drive positive change. The workshop will grow your capabilities in curiosity, critical thinking and care: 🔎 Curiosity is about finding excitement in learning from everything around us. 🕸️ Critical thinking is about regularly questioning how our feelings, other people, and the wider world influence our thinking. 💓 Care is about showing empathy and compassion for yourself, others, and the world around you. It’s the foundation of positive relationships and community building. 🌟 Anyone joining or playing back the workshops can earn an RSA Spark Explorer badge to validate their learning. RSVP here and please help spread the word: https://lnkd.in/ef9EuaDU Cc The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce)

🚨 We’re #hiring: Head of Events 🚨 Ready to lead unforgettable, high-impact events? If you’re a passionate event leader who thrives on delivering world-class experiences, join Victoria Kington and the team at the RSA! You’ll take the helm of our award-winning events programme, collaborating with global partners and diverse speakers to inspire real change. Apply now!✨

Independent sustainability and environment adviser, Tony Juniper, and ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist, Mya-Rose Craig, join us for a chat to explore the powerful connections between social justice and environmental sustainability. Book your ticket for 8 April now: https://thersa.co/4btkY3C

Policy and public affairs manager of Women in Sport, Rachel Williams, who spoke at our #AcceleratingAction event, shares what three things are needed to realise true gender equality for women in sport. Missed the event? Watch the replay here: https://thersa.co/4itz73o #iwd2025 #womenshistorymonth #accelerateaction

At this year's Patron’s Lecture, world-renowned political scientist Robert Putnam will join us to explore the vital role of social connections for economic mobility, civic engagement, and community wellbeing. Reserve your virtual ticket now: https://thersa.co/4idHW1v

How can outdoor play transform children's lives? Our Playful Green Planet (PGP) steward Lee Fallin gave us a preview of the incredible work being done to create outdoor space for play in Hull. Learn more about our PGP initiative: https://thersa.co/3QFoIWo

Go behind the scenes of RSA Journal’s final issue of 2024 in 90 seconds or less ⬇️ This issue explored some of the bold, visionary projects reshaping our world – from VNCCII’s fusion of music and sci-fi storytelling to the growing impact of BookTok on global reading communities – featuring artwork by Sophie Donaj and Alex Green, with insights from journalist Sophia Smith-Galer and futurist Samantha Tauber. Read the full issue here: https://thersa.co/4iCxm40 Stay tuned for Issue 1 of 2025, coming soon.

Do you know a designer who has not only demonstrated sustained excellence, but also made a significant benefit to society? Royal Designers for Industry are now accepting nominations for the UK’s highest accolade for designers. Whether they’ve shaped our products, services, places or experiences, this is your chance to celebrate positive impact and help to define exceptional design practice. We welcome nominations for both UK-based designers and honorary international designers. The nomination deadline is 7 April 2025. Find out more information on how to nominate here: https://thersa.co/41B8vGG #RoyalDesignersForIndustry hashtag#RDI hashtag#RSARDI