Founded in Manchester, 1833
Evidence in the service of public life.
The Society was founded as industrialisation reshaped Manchester. Its members studied social conditions with a practical ambition: inform debate and influence policy.
Our purpose
A forum for social and economic questions.
Today the Society continues that tradition through public meetings, independent research support, publications and specialist study groups.
We welcome people from many backgrounds who share an interest in careful evidence, informed argument and the life of the region.