The Neave Society

This year has been an exciting one for the Neave Society, being the first year (for most of us) entirely in person. Each term has brought a host of fresh debates, sparking lively discussions from a range of perspectives.

Michaelmas term began with the extremely well attended Freshers’ Debate on the issue of ‘Is all art political?’. The motion invited views from students of all disciplines, unpacking what can be fairly described as ‘art’, and whether anything can ever be apolitical. The Neave Society was also thrilled to host economist and Merton alumnus John Mills (1958) to discuss his books The Elephant in the Room and Why the West is Failing: Failed Economics and the Rise of the East. Shiv Mandal (2020, president in Michaelmas term) chaired this interesting discussion on how reindustrialisation could rebalance and repair the UK economy.

Hilary term kicked off yet again with the debate on ‘no confidence in the government’. On the back of ‘Partygate’ allegations, this debate was largely themed on the intersection and implications of the private/public life divide of politicians. Other topics that cropped up this term included a debate on euthanasia, and another on whether children should be taught to be sceptical of parental authority – both engaged some truly fascinating insights on balance between personal autonomy and security.

Trinity term was undoubtedly the highlight of the Neave Society’s 2021-22 calendar. Our first ‘presidential’ debate was between JCR President candidates Zakariya Bux and Ivan Vasenov (both 2021) on the issue of the extent to which tech companies should regulate social media. As an (unaffiliated) preview to the presidential hustings later this week, this debate drew an attendance of over 20 in the audience. Following this flagship debate, the change in format from round-table discussion to one-v-one openings accompanied by floor discussion was a great success. One notably divisive debate in this format was between Niall Pearson-Shaul (2021, Affiliated Organisations Rep 2022-23) and Charlie Rand (2021, Social Backgrounds Rep 2022-23) on the topic of whether the UK should implement affirmative action. Niall took the proposition and Charlie acted for the opposition. After some thoughtful discussion on the long- and short-term benefits of positive discrimination, we voted in favour of the proposition.

The Neave Society has had a spectacular year. It has been a journey from strength to strength, and we look forward to re-joining once more in October.

Shivanii Arun (2021)
Neave Society President 2021-22