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Academy Schools, Muslim marriage, Hermione Lee

Parents on academy schools, unregistered Muslim marriage, the neuroscience of optimism, and Hermione Lee on Edith Wharton. Presented by Jane Garvey.

As some schools say they're not being given a choice over becoming Academies, we hear from parents with different experiences at the schools they're involved with. How hardwired are human-beings to look on the bright side? One neuroscientist will argue that our brains have developed to ignore evidence that suggests the future might not be as rosy as we imagine. We hear why Muslim women who've been married in a religious ceremony are being urged to check whether they're legally married under the UK's civil law. Writer and academic Hermione Lee talks about the lasting appeal of American author Edith Wharton whose novel Ethan Frome is this week's Woman's Hour drama. Presented by Jane Garvey.

Available now

58 minutes

Last on

Mon 16 Jan 2012 10:00

Chapters

  • Marriage and Sharia Law

    Muslim women are being urged to check they’re legally married under the UK’s civil law. With Solicitor, Aina Khan; Faeeza Viad, Muslim Women’s Network & Amra Bone, the Shaira Council.

    Duration: 12:46

  • Optimism

    Jane talks to neuroscientist, Dr. Tali Sharot, author of The Optimism Bias. She believes we’re hardwired to look on the bright side, ignoring evidence that suggests the future might not be rosy.

    Duration: 10:37

  • Academies: The Parents' Perspective

    Jane talks to parents: Susan Garrard, Noel Park Primary School, London & Stephen Burton, Parent Governor, Ormiston Victory Academy, Norwich.

    Duration: 08:37

  • Hermione Lee on Edith Wharton

    The Woman’s Hour drama this week is Ethan Frome by American author Edith Wharton. Writer & academic, Hermione Lee talks about the lasting appeal of this great writer.

    Duration: 09:43

Broadcast

  • Mon 16 Jan 2012 10:00

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