I am currently a lecturer in the School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK (http://psych.cf.ac.uk/sweetman).  In my research I examine how a person’s/group’s position (status or power) in a social hierarchy influences the way they think about political and moral issues. In addition, I investigate the way political attitudes and emotions influences political actions such as protest. As an extension to the above work, I am also interested in exploring inequalities in health and well-being.

My academic, and activist, interest in the above originally stems from my own experiences of group-based dominance (racism) growing up in the UK.  Learning about social psychology (prejudice, stereotypes and intergroup relations) and black (African) history, scholarship, "race", ethnicity and culture led me to generalize my experience to other (albeit unique) forms of oppression in society.  My interest, moral inclination and admiration for those that worked for social change pushed me towards activism.   Reading Chomsky, Fannon, Malcolm, and Albert and Hahnel were formative experiences for me and pointed the way towards activism and rational inquiry into social affairs/organizations.

I have been involved in African/African-Caribbean community groups in London and have enjoyed several years of mentoring young people.  These experiences were important as they highlighted the importance of institutions and other social processes - in terms of affecting young peoples' behaviour and abilities.  This practical day-to-day experience just reinforced my social psychological understanding and added to my academic interests and passion for more participatory institutions.  

I am now mainly involved with Project for a Participatory Society UK (http://www.ppsuk.org.uk/).