"Culture Wars UK: Is it Time for Universities to ‘Rearm’?": Faculty Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Stuart McAnulla

Join us for the fifth lecture in the 2025-26 Faculty of Social Sciences Inaugural Lecture Series which will be delivered by Professor Stuart McAnulla (School of Politics and International Studies).

Professor Stuart McAnulla is a Professor of Politics whose expertise includes contemporary British politics, political atheism, social science meta-theory and student education in politics. He was co-founder and co-convenor of the Political Studies Association specialist group on Religion and Politics. In 2021 he received the Faculty Award for Equality and Inclusion. He is currently Deputy Head (and formerly Acting Head) of the School of Politics and International Studies, having previously served as Director of Student Education.

The Lecture

Title: Culture Wars UK: Is it Time for Universities to ‘Rearm’?

Abstract

‘Culture wars’ are now a dramatic feature of UK politics, involving the clash of polarised perspectives on issues such as gender, race, national identity, climate science, migration and British history. Prominent narratives often feature aggressive criticism of public institutions, including universities. Indeed, within the next few years a UK government may be elected which is hostile towards a considerable amount of current university activity, including aspects of social science curricula, key research agendas and EDI policies. Consequently, this lecture asks if there is a need for universities to ‘rearm’ in the context of culture war threats. It is suggested that despite the seemingly secular character of many UK culture wars (as compared with those in the United States), arguments frequently invoke religion, particularly when seeking to ‘awaken’ others to alternative worldviews or in efforts to delegitimise opposition. To the extent that culture war conflicts involve desires for belonging, solidarity and purpose, universities have resources which can address the ‘search for meaning’. However, defending contemporary university practices may involve engaging in newer and sometimes uncomfortable types of dialogue, public engagement and conflict. There is much within current pedagogical approaches and institutional cultures that is tacit and habitual, but which could be made more explicit as the sector defends itself against claims of either ideological capture or elitist detachment. During this lecture Professor McAnulla also reflects on some of his own experiences in dealing with relevant issues whilst in leadership positions here at Leeds.

We would like to welcome everyone – be they colleagues, postgraduate researchers, students, alumni or visitors – to this lecture celebrating the achievement and scholarship contributions of Professor McAnulla.

The lecture will take place on Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 16:00 in Liberty Building (Moot Court) LT (1.28) on the Western University of Leeds campus. The lecture will take place from 16:00-17:00 including introductions and a Q&A session, after which there will be a drinks reception. Registration is free of charge.

If you have any queries about this lecture, or about the series, please direct them via email to Dr Izzy Jenkinson (Faculty Events and Communications Officer) at I.K.S.Jenkinson@leeds.ac.uk.