Sociology Staffroom

Professor Jo Littler, from Goldsmiths College, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into representations of working-class women in comedy: a must for anyone teaching the media topic, but a great listen for the rest of us too.

Lecturer at Mahidol University, Thailand (and former visiting lecturer in Sociology at City, University of London) Kullanit Nitiwarangkul joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into the experiences of older women in Thailand. This is very useful for students considering culture and identity, but also families and households and global development, as well as for understanding research methodology.

Dr Alicia Denby, Sociology lecturer in Sociology and Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the concept of "single positivity". Really useful for Families and Households, Culture and Identity, feminism and postmodernism. Lots of fascinating insights into research and research methodology too.

Professor of Sociology at LSE, Aaron Reeves joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss elites in the UK and his book "Born to Rule". Useful for all sociology teachers and students, and especially those exploring Stratification and Differentiation.

Professor Laurie Taylor, sociology researcher and lecturer and long-term presenter of Thinking Allowed on Radio 4, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss his extraordinary career, his work in crime and deviance, and his thoughts about sociology and advice to up-and-coming sociologists.

Lecturer and researcher in Sociology and Education at the University of Manchester, Dr Kirsty Finn joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the experience of working-class girls in higher education and the idea of the "side hustle" and "girl boss".

Subject lead for Sociology and Citizenship at AQA and experienced sociology teacher and examiner, Sarah Fawcett, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her role and what's coming next for A-Level Sociology at AQA.

Doctoral student from Central European University, Khadija Aftab, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research on AI, and particularly its impact on gender.

The President of the British Sociological Association, Professor Les Back joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss his role, his research and the continuing importance of teaching sociology in the today's society.

Reader in Sociology at the University of Warwick, Dr Stella Chatzitheochari, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom, to discuss the experiences of pupils with disabilities in education and its impact on later educational and employment experiences and opportunities. This is a fascinating discussion for those teaching the Education and Stratification topics and for all of us as practising teachers.

Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Rituparna Patgiri, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss online/remote learning and its impact on women and girls and marginalised groups, especially in India. This is a fascinating discussion which might be of particular interest with regard to those teaching the topics of Education, Global Development, Culture & Identity and Stratification, but also to all of us as teachers.

Sociology and Criminology Subject Advisor for OCR, Tom Genillard, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss a range of topics, including developments to their A Level specification.

Sociological researcher at the National University of Singapore, Satanik Pal, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss his research into comparative global sociology, with particular focus on masculinities and status hierarchies and caste systems in India and Japan.

Well-known sociologist, Finn MacKay joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss their wide-ranging research into a range of sociological topics surrounding gender. Finn's research features in the AQA and OCR specifications and this is an excellent opportunity to learn more.

PhD student Ashley Collar joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into the Manchester Arena bombing. Fascinating discussion about research practice, interviews, subjectivity, sensitive issues and values as well as Ashley's own inspiring story of how she came to be an academic sociologist.

Melbourne University sociologist, Leah Ruppaner - a public sociologist active on TikTok and podcasts, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into gender, families and mental load.

Professor of Public Sociology at Lancaster University, Michaela Benson, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research on Brexit, post-Brexit and migration - fascinating for those of us teaching culture and identity, demographic changes, stratification but also for research methods.

Sam Teague and Chad Morrison, who are launching a new degree in Applied Social Care, join Katie in the Sociology Staffroom for a fascinating conversation about their research, their new degree and the importance of social care. This is of particular interest to those studying the Health optional topic, but also to consider issues around social policy across a range of topics, as well as theory and methods. Also some interesting insights for fans of Bluey!

Former Director of Education for Lambeth, sociologist, and former teacher, Abrilli Phillip, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss education policy and equality, drawing on her vast experience of working in education and local and national government.

In the first episode of the new season, public sociologist Aaron Winter, from Lancaster University, joins Katie in the sociology staffroom to discuss his research on racism and anti-racism, as well as issues relating to values and objectivity in research.