Mark Pendleton
@markpendleton.bsky.social
Historian (mostly of Japan) and trade unionist (mostly in UCU). Also into queer stuff. Uk-wide elected HE rep - UCU NEC. He/him
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Thrilled to be featured in the January 2026 issue of @thenation.com with my colleague David Landes! I argue “no” & draw attention to how the loneliness crisis is a symptom of late-stage capitalism & a society unable to support its youth. I also share insights on digital & youth culture in Japan. 📱
For our latest Debate, we asked David Landes and Kimberly Hassel, "Are cell phones to blame for the youth loneliness epidemic?"
https://bit.ly/4ja9WEv
https://bit.ly/4ja9WEv
Are Cell Phones to Blame for the Youth Loneliness Epidemic?
David Landes argues that cell phones represent an isolated life whereas Kimberly Hassel blames the loneliness crisis on a society unable to support or protect its youth.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Thrilled to be featured in the January 2026 issue of @thenation.com with my colleague David Landes! I argue “no” & draw attention to how the loneliness crisis is a symptom of late-stage capitalism & a society unable to support its youth. I also share insights on digital & youth culture in Japan. 📱
Didn’t get my submission in this year unfortunately but a great list again from the HW team.
If I had have, my top read was Polly Barton’s translation of Saou Ichikawa’s award winning “Hunchback”, a short book with a mighty punch as it tackles ableism, sex and agency, all in 100ish pages.
If I had have, my top read was Polly Barton’s translation of Saou Ichikawa’s award winning “Hunchback”, a short book with a mighty punch as it tackles ableism, sex and agency, all in 100ish pages.
Now an annual tradition at History Workshop, members of the team share their "Radical Reads" for 2025.
Radical Reads 2025
History Workshop editors share their reflections on the radical books and films which have compelled them, fascinated them, and moved them throughout 2025.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Didn’t get my submission in this year unfortunately but a great list again from the HW team.
If I had have, my top read was Polly Barton’s translation of Saou Ichikawa’s award winning “Hunchback”, a short book with a mighty punch as it tackles ableism, sex and agency, all in 100ish pages.
If I had have, my top read was Polly Barton’s translation of Saou Ichikawa’s award winning “Hunchback”, a short book with a mighty punch as it tackles ableism, sex and agency, all in 100ish pages.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
“Recent decisions have shown that people and organisations can be inclusive and the Court of Appeal has said that pro-trans beliefs are protected. This pattern should give organisations the confidence to stand up to anti-trans bullies.”
https://goodlaw.social/p01y
https://goodlaw.social/p01y
Allison Bailey loses her case against Stonewall – again
Court of Appeal finds that Stonewall did not cause discrimination against ‘gender critical’ barrister Allison Bailey.
goodlaw.social
December 19, 2025 at 1:14 PM
“Recent decisions have shown that people and organisations can be inclusive and the Court of Appeal has said that pro-trans beliefs are protected. This pattern should give organisations the confidence to stand up to anti-trans bullies.”
https://goodlaw.social/p01y
https://goodlaw.social/p01y
This is an excellent article, which I highly recommend. Great to see Roberta Perkins’s beaming face too, alongside greater recognition of her significant contributions to many areas of Australian life.
Here, for @historyworkshop.org.uk I discuss the history of a refuge for trans women.
I show women’s shared experiences of violence across the spectrum of cis and trans.
I highlight histories of solidarity against male violence by feminists and trans women.
academic.oup.com/hwj/advance-...
I show women’s shared experiences of violence across the spectrum of cis and trans.
I highlight histories of solidarity against male violence by feminists and trans women.
academic.oup.com/hwj/advance-...
Reconsidering Violence Against Women through the History of a Refuge for Trans Women
Abstract. Both right-wing forces and gender-critical feminists currently frame cis and trans women’s needs as fundamentally different and conflicting. Viol
academic.oup.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:36 AM
This is an excellent article, which I highly recommend. Great to see Roberta Perkins’s beaming face too, alongside greater recognition of her significant contributions to many areas of Australian life.
Solidarity with Northumbria UCU as they continue their fight against a management hellbent on cutting their pensions and pay. Good to see lots of ballots being sent in!
The only thing cooler than this post box? Posting your vote in the @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social local ballot to stop a pay freeze @northumbriauni.bsky.social!
December 19, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Solidarity with Northumbria UCU as they continue their fight against a management hellbent on cutting their pensions and pay. Good to see lots of ballots being sent in!
Sheffield management have withdrawn their threat of a lockout for w/c 5 Jan to facilitate further discussions with our excellent @sheffielducu.bsky.social negotiators. Massive thanks to the ucu team, and to everyone for having our backs. It’s not over yet, but maybe there’s a path to get there!
December 18, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Sheffield management have withdrawn their threat of a lockout for w/c 5 Jan to facilitate further discussions with our excellent @sheffielducu.bsky.social negotiators. Massive thanks to the ucu team, and to everyone for having our backs. It’s not over yet, but maybe there’s a path to get there!
As things wind down for the holidays, @sheffielducu.bsky.social members are facing a threat of 100% pay deductions from January, thanks to our Scrooge-like management. We’ve now set up a fundraiser to bolster our local solidarity fund. If you can spare some change, please do! gofund.me/ac2b3adcb
Donate to Support University of Sheffield striking staff!, organized by Mark Pendleton
I'm the branch treasurer for the University of Sheffield University and… Mark Pendleton needs your support for Support University of Sheffield striking staff!
gofund.me
December 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
As things wind down for the holidays, @sheffielducu.bsky.social members are facing a threat of 100% pay deductions from January, thanks to our Scrooge-like management. We’ve now set up a fundraiser to bolster our local solidarity fund. If you can spare some change, please do! gofund.me/ac2b3adcb
While on the topic of @historyworkshop.org.uk issue 100, I was really pleased that Hiro Matsubara from Rekiken accepted our invitation to write about some exciting new initiatives in Japan. More cross-border and cross-linguistic historical knowledge sharing please! academic.oup.com/hwj/advance-...
HISTORY WORKSHOP AROUND THE WORLD: JAPAN Rekiken – Let History Flow: a Public History Experiment
Abstract. If academic historians recognize that ordinary people are also ‘doing history’, how can they better serve those people? To address this question,
academic.oup.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:53 PM
While on the topic of @historyworkshop.org.uk issue 100, I was really pleased that Hiro Matsubara from Rekiken accepted our invitation to write about some exciting new initiatives in Japan. More cross-border and cross-linguistic historical knowledge sharing please! academic.oup.com/hwj/advance-...
One of the most rewarding aspects of my UK professional life has been participating in the HWJ editorial collective. That might have been a few decades after Barbara and this picnic but the spirit captured in these images continues. Looking forward to more in this series marking our issue 100!
Today we are launching a new series of articles and podcasts to mark the 100th issue of History Workshop Journal 🎉✊🗃️
In this introductory article, Barbara Taylor reflects on a picnic she shared with other editors in 1984, and what it meant to be part of the HWJ collective.
In this introductory article, Barbara Taylor reflects on a picnic she shared with other editors in 1984, and what it meant to be part of the HWJ collective.
An Editors' Picnic
Barbara Taylor introduces our new series with her memories of a picnic she enjoyed with other History Workshop Journal editors in 1984.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 4:55 PM
One of the most rewarding aspects of my UK professional life has been participating in the HWJ editorial collective. That might have been a few decades after Barbara and this picnic but the spirit captured in these images continues. Looking forward to more in this series marking our issue 100!
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
'All states and territories in Australia should review the legislation underpinning universities “to ensure the primacy of public research and education”, a Senate committee has said.'
Very relevant to UK. 1/3
Very relevant to UK. 1/3
Australian universities ‘must put research and education first’.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-aust...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-aust...
Australian universities ‘must put research and education first’ - Research Professional News
Senate inquiry into university governance recommends stronger regulatory oversight to tackle staff discontent
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:19 PM
'All states and territories in Australia should review the legislation underpinning universities “to ensure the primacy of public research and education”, a Senate committee has said.'
Very relevant to UK. 1/3
Very relevant to UK. 1/3
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Pleased to be interviewed for this much needed piece on the rising transphobia in higher education.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
Trans scholars being ‘pushed out of academia’, researchers warn
Universities ‘afraid to be trans inclusive’ after Supreme Court ruling and OfS Sussex fine, leaving staff fearing ‘hostile environment’
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Pleased to be interviewed for this much needed piece on the rising transphobia in higher education.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
We are horrified and shaken in the wake of the mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi this evening, which has left at least ten people dead and injured many more.
This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. 1/4
This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. 1/4
December 14, 2025 at 11:25 AM
We are horrified and shaken in the wake of the mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi this evening, which has left at least ten people dead and injured many more.
This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. 1/4
This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. 1/4
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
When will this crisis get any attention whatsoever!? A THOUSAND ACADEMIC STAFF AT ONE INSTITUTION SERVED REDUNDANCY RISK NOTICES! And that's not counting what's surely being visited on professional services staff too. This is an economic catastrophe, to say nothing of the intellectual catastrophe!
Ongoing decimation of British universities part 252:
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 8:47 PM
When will this crisis get any attention whatsoever!? A THOUSAND ACADEMIC STAFF AT ONE INSTITUTION SERVED REDUNDANCY RISK NOTICES! And that's not counting what's surely being visited on professional services staff too. This is an economic catastrophe, to say nothing of the intellectual catastrophe!
Absolutely appalling stuff. Solidarity with Lucy and all @ucuessex.bsky.social
Ongoing decimation of British universities part 252:
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Absolutely appalling stuff. Solidarity with Lucy and all @ucuessex.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
A very good piece on student university governors. As an elected academic staff governor I recognise the dynamics and tactics. I’d also add that many universities have worked hard and successfully to reduce SUs to customer service departments, defusing all critique.
NEW on Wonkhe: Fix the governance or fix the governors? bit.ly/48zJWic
December 11, 2025 at 8:15 AM
A very good piece on student university governors. As an elected academic staff governor I recognise the dynamics and tactics. I’d also add that many universities have worked hard and successfully to reduce SUs to customer service departments, defusing all critique.
Congrats to the NTEU for this vindication of their campaigning on governance failures in Australia’s university sector.
Lots for us in @ucu.org.uk to learn about convincing people and governments of the damage caused by the long term attacks on the primary teaching and research functions of unis.
Lots for us in @ucu.org.uk to learn about convincing people and governments of the damage caused by the long term attacks on the primary teaching and research functions of unis.
🎉HUGE UNION WIN🎉
"This is a watershed moment for Australia's public universities. We now have a clear blueprint to fix burning crises like corporatisation, casualisation and wage theft.”
@alisonbarnes.bsky.social
Join snap briefing: nteu.info/snapbriefing
📰Article: abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
"This is a watershed moment for Australia's public universities. We now have a clear blueprint to fix burning crises like corporatisation, casualisation and wage theft.”
@alisonbarnes.bsky.social
Join snap briefing: nteu.info/snapbriefing
📰Article: abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
December 11, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Congrats to the NTEU for this vindication of their campaigning on governance failures in Australia’s university sector.
Lots for us in @ucu.org.uk to learn about convincing people and governments of the damage caused by the long term attacks on the primary teaching and research functions of unis.
Lots for us in @ucu.org.uk to learn about convincing people and governments of the damage caused by the long term attacks on the primary teaching and research functions of unis.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Well done to Steve & others involved in producing this 👏
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
Excited to see the final version of the @cdbu.bsky.social Code of Ethical University Governance in the public domain, and looking forward to the launch event in Parliament later today. cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20... #UKHE #governance
CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance | CDBU
cdbu.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Well done to Steve & others involved in producing this 👏
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
This is a helpful push towards what should guide university governance in UKHE. Particularly helpful to see mention of the need to value critical challenge, using internal staff expertise, diversity of membership (not just finance!), election of governors and accountability to staff/students.
Excited to see the final version of the @cdbu.bsky.social Code of Ethical University Governance in the public domain, and looking forward to the launch event in Parliament later today. cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20... #UKHE #governance
CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance | CDBU
cdbu.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 3:43 PM
This is a helpful push towards what should guide university governance in UKHE. Particularly helpful to see mention of the need to value critical challenge, using internal staff expertise, diversity of membership (not just finance!), election of governors and accountability to staff/students.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Day 11 of our current strike at @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk …
The story goes that we can’t afford to keep staff in their jobs but we can afford this 👇
The story goes that we can’t afford to keep staff in their jobs but we can afford this 👇
December 4, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Day 11 of our current strike at @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk …
The story goes that we can’t afford to keep staff in their jobs but we can afford this 👇
The story goes that we can’t afford to keep staff in their jobs but we can afford this 👇
Solidarity with Essex UCU as they fight these unnecessary and devastating proposed cuts
One of our branch co-presidents, Jordan Osserman, talking on BBC Essex this morning about the devastating cuts to our University, and what needs to be done about them. Please share.
We had yet more shocking news this morning - stay tuned.
We had yet more shocking news this morning - stay tuned.
December 4, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Solidarity with Essex UCU as they fight these unnecessary and devastating proposed cuts
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
This is *exactly* the same phrasing as the management used @qmul.bsky.social.
This is work that has been withdrawn as part of legal industrial action. Management is demanding staff undoes their own industrial action and performs the work they have not been paid for, on top of their existing work.
This is work that has been withdrawn as part of legal industrial action. Management is demanding staff undoes their own industrial action and performs the work they have not been paid for, on top of their existing work.
December 3, 2025 at 7:11 PM
This is *exactly* the same phrasing as the management used @qmul.bsky.social.
This is work that has been withdrawn as part of legal industrial action. Management is demanding staff undoes their own industrial action and performs the work they have not been paid for, on top of their existing work.
This is work that has been withdrawn as part of legal industrial action. Management is demanding staff undoes their own industrial action and performs the work they have not been paid for, on top of their existing work.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Will it ever comeback @sheffielduni.bsky.social?
Remember the Section 188 notice in 2020?
@sheffielducu.bsky.social
Remember the Section 188 notice in 2020?
@sheffielducu.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Will it ever comeback @sheffielduni.bsky.social?
Remember the Section 188 notice in 2020?
@sheffielducu.bsky.social
Remember the Section 188 notice in 2020?
@sheffielducu.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
oh i have some excellent ideas on how to strengthen the role of universities in their towns and regions -- first up, do not close them
'A new national initiative, Civic 2.0, has been launched to strengthen the role of universities in their towns, cities and regions – building on the legacy of UPP Foundation’s Civic University Commission and the Civic University Network.' 1/3
Civic engagement a ‘licence to practise’ for universities
New initiative launched to strengthen the role of universities in their towns, cities and regions
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM
oh i have some excellent ideas on how to strengthen the role of universities in their towns and regions -- first up, do not close them
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Our fifth newsletter has landed, including a link to our statement on the recent #UKHE national ballot. Featuring also @markpendleton.bsky.social on conditional indexation, and @vthuppil.bsky.social on international student levies. #UCU
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
UCU Commons newsletter #5, 3 December 2025
Dear subscriber
Welcome to the UCU Commons newsletter, a curated set of links and information about what's happening in UCU Commons, our union, and our sectors more generally. As always, we welcome a...
ucucommons.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Our fifth newsletter has landed, including a link to our statement on the recent #UKHE national ballot. Featuring also @markpendleton.bsky.social on conditional indexation, and @vthuppil.bsky.social on international student levies. #UCU
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...