Parting of ways for the world's richest couple

Pride and Prejudice opens with a reflection on the importance of marriage: "It is a truth universally acknowledged" that wealthy, single men must be looking for a wife. For the Bennet sisters, marriage means security and a new life. For Elizabeth, it must also mean love. How has marriage changed?

Is the old saying "Money can't buy happiness" true? One of the world's richest couples, Bill and Melinda Gates, announced they were getting divorced after 27 years of marriage.

Is marriage dying? A court decision might grant similar status for different types of relationships. But many argue that marriage remains at the heart of human culture and experience.

Are food and love the only real things in life? At the age of 82, Britain's greatest living painter, David Hockney, wrote a moving letter telling the world his deepest convictions.

The Bennets are not poor - they are still part of England's upper class. But they are certainly poorer than most of the characters of that class: the five sisters cannot inherit property, so they must marry to secure their future. Wealth, class and all of its trappings are still fiercely debated today.

Should everyone get a free lifetime income? News broke that several American cities started providing monthly payments to residents. But some people remain sceptical.

Should there be a limit to wealth? Right now the world's rich and powerful are meeting in the Swiss resort of Davos. Some think we would all be better off without them.

Is tax the best way to share wealth? Eighty-three of the world's richest people have written an astonishing letter to governments asking for more of their money to be taken away from them.

"A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing and the modern languages..." There were many pressures on women in Austen's world (the end of the 18th to the early 19th Century), and little independence. Society has come a long way - but how much is left to do?

Is gender equality ever going to happen? The BBC announced its annual list of 100 amazing women. But a UN report found that women everywhere are still treated much worse than men.

New York judge opens the door to polyamory

Do Hollywood award ceremonies really matter? The Golden Globes have been criticised for some controversial snubs. But its defenders say the headlines miss the event's true purpose.

Is China afraid of feminists? A viral video of women being attacked in a restaurant provoked nationwide outrage. But now critics say that women's voices are being silenced.  

Pride is tricky: it can bring people together, or it can make them blind to their own failures. In Pride and Prejudice, everyone at some point takes pleasure in their own achievements, or place in society. What makes us feel proud in the 21st Century - and is it ever deserved?

Has sport become the source of our deepest values? An open letter by the England coach before the opening game in Euro 2020 won praise for its thoughtful version of patriotism.

Should gay conversion therapy be classed as torture? Pride Month kicked off celebrations in cities across the world. But LGBT people still face persecution everywhere.

Can it be as entertaining as men's? The BBC and Sky announced that they will pay millions of pounds to show top matches on TV, raising hopes that equality is not far off.

Elizabeth thinks Mr Darcy is a snob. He looks down on Elizabeth's family - as does Lady Catherine. The characters in the novel, just like people in real life, are constantly making judgements about one another. What prejudices do we still grapple with today?

Will it be a turning point for America? The trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd prompted discussion about whether the US can start to heal its racial divisions.

Does gaming need to be more inclusive? A new Harry Potter game will allow players to create trans characters. But some say it is just a small step for an industry that needs radical change.

Will a new film help defeat prejudice? The Whale, released today, depicts a recluse suffering from obesity and mental health problems. Its delivery has been criticised, but some say it is a step towards much-needed representation.