The Sociology Show

In this episode, Matthew talks to Professor Lee Elliot Major OBE, Lee is the country’s first Professor of Social Mobility. Appointed by the University of Exeter to be a global leader in the field, his work is dedicated to improving the prospects of disadvantaged young people. Lee discusses his book Equity in education: Levelling the playing field of learning as well as outlining other famous sociological studies and how they relate to his findings. You can view Lee's TED talk here - • How can we level the playing field of... Contact details - https://education.exeter.ac.uk/staff/...

In this episode, Matthew talks to Professor Les Back and Dr Isaac Hoff about the rise of hooliganism and anti social behaviour at football grounds post covid. Ideas around drug use, masculinity, cultural resistance, subcultures and moral panics are all discussed. Is the problem really as bad as the media make out it is?

In this episode, three students takeover the pod to discuss the issue of sexism and misogyny in the gaming world. Harper Winslet, Jessica Thornton and Leila Miller-Jones from BHASVIC college in Brighton and Hove were inspired by the research of Anita Sarkeesian and wanted to see if their own primary research gained similar results. The research considers early games when objectification was first noticable up to more comptemporary issues such as whether the rise of Andrew Tate has had a signigicant impact on the gaming world.

In this episode, Matthew talks to Professor Tom Shakespeare. Tom is is an English sociologist and bioethicist, he has achondroplasia and uses a wheelchair, his work focuses on all aspects of diability. In discussion, Tom defines what a disability is, how it impacts identity and changing attitudes. Tom also discusses media representation of disabilities and whether they have improved over the last twenty or so years. You can follow Tom on Twitter @TommyShakes and check out his website - https://farmerofthoughts.co.uk/

In this episode, Matthew talks to Circe Newbold about Paper 3 for the AQA A-level Sociology exam. Circe Newbold is a lead examiner for Paper 3, here she explains some top tips in terms of what the examiners are looking for and how to structure questions. Circe also explains how to work towards the A* grade.

In this episode, Matthew talks to Professor Frank Furedi. Frank is a Hungarian-Canadian academic and professor of sociology at the University of Kent and here he talks about his ideas on parents, childhood and fear. Frank discusses ideas from his book 'Paranoid parenting' about how childhood have become over protected from the late 70s onwards. The discussion also considers how children are being impacted by over catiousness and how parenting has continued to be impacted by fear. Frank also explain his ideas on the adultification of children and the infantilisation of adults. You can find out more about Frank on his webiste - https://www.frankfuredi.com/ and follow him on twitter @Furedibyte

In this episode, Matthew talks to Kate Flatley about Paper 2 for the AQA A-level Sociology exam. Kate is a lead/senior examiner and here she explains some top tips in terms of what the examiners are looking for and how to structure questions.

In this episode, Matthew talks to Circe Newbold about Paper 1 for the AQA A-level Sociology exam. Circe Newbold is a lead examiner for Paper 1, here she explains some top tips in terms of what the examiners are looking for and how to structure questions.

In this episode, Matthew talks to writer and Darwinian scholar, Paula Wright. Through her MSc in Psychology, Culture and Evolution (Evolutionary Psychology) at Brunel London, Paula has questioned Feminism for ignoring biology and that some forms of Feminism actually restrict female choice. The discussion considers whether Sociology as a discipline is too quick to make the assumption that all behaviour is socially constructed by ignoring biological differences. As Paula notes on her website - 'History has demonstrated many times, that whenever our species attempts to take control of biology and bend it out of shape to ideological goals, human tragedy always follows'. You can read more from Paula here - https://paulawright.substack.com/ and follow her on twitter - @SexyIsntSexist

In this student takeover episode, Aimee Elsworth from Blackfen 6th form discusses the issue of Anti-semitism in education. Aimee quite rightly highlights that this is an issue very much under represented and discussed in the topic of education. If you would like to do a student takeover episode then simply send an MP3 file to thesociologyshowpodcast@gmail.com Also, be sure to subscribe to the Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoLM2ukn7h2ElMbTnIrSSIg You can dontate to the gofund me here - https://gofund.me/a8763da6

In this episode, Matthew talks to Sociology teacher and examiner Katie Tyler about how to approach questions on Social class and education. Katie explains some classic sociologists, contemporary studies and synoptic studies that can be applied. The discussion also considers some of the dos and don'ts of tackling such a question.

In this episode, Matthew talks to Professor Catherine Lee MBE about section 28 which was in place in the UK between 1988 and 2003. Catherine discusses her book - Pretended: Schools and Section 28: Historical, Cultural and Personal Perspectives as well as her involvement in the recent film, Blue Jean (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8649344/) You can follow Catherine on twitter - @DrCatherineLee

In this episode, Matthew talks to Jon Alexander, the author of - Citizens: why the key to fixing everything is all of us. Citizens traces human history from the Subject Story of kings and empires to the current Consumer Story, bringing together the evidence that we have always been Citizens by nature. It sets out the tools we need to reinvent our organisations and our politics, equipping us to face the many challenges of our time. It shows us what we must do to survive and thrive – as individuals, as organisations, even as a species. You can find out more about Jon and the book on his website - https://www.jonalexander.net/ and you can follow him on twitter @jonjalex Here is a link to the book - https://www.canburypress.com/products/citizens-by-jon-alexander

In this student takeover episode, Amelie from Westcliff high school for girls tlaks about the relationship between capitalism and patriarchy. If you fancy being on the show and have an issue you would like to talk about then simply record an MP3 file and email to thesociologyshowpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Matthew talks to Dr Poppy Gibson about social media and mental health. Poppy is a Senior Lecturer whose key interests involve children’s psychological development and mental health and wellbeing. Poppy discusses her work on both the problems and benefits of using social media and talks about her research into how this can impact young girls in particular. You can add Poppy on Twitter @poppygibsonuk

In this episode, Matthew talks to comedian Joe Wilkinson about being alcohol free. Joe explains about his decision to give up the booze and why culturally that can be a challenge in a society that places alcohol and drinking culture as a key part of society. You can also watch this interview via YouTube here

In this episode, Matthew talks to Dr Sidsel Harder about the topic of pornography. Sidsel is a Postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University, researching sexual images, private and pornographic media. The discussion considers some of legality around porn, attitudes to porn and also just how complex the arguments surrounding censorship can be. You can follow Sidel on Twitter @HarderSidsel

in this episode, Matthew talks to Dr Leon Davis and Professor Les Back on why the World cup in Qatar has received so much criticism and why it remains a controversial event that many believe should never have gone ahead. The discussion considers how Qatar was awarded the event, the issues of migrant workers and issue surrounding LGBTQ+ fans.

In this episode, Matthew talks to mark Brooks OBE about International Men's Day which takes place on the 19th November. Mark is a senior policy adviser on men and boys’ wellbeing and a national ambassador for International Men’s Day UK. You can visit www.ukmensday.org.uk and Marks’ personal website is www.mark-brooks.co.uk

In this episode, Matthew talks to Shaley about her personal experience of domestic violence. Shaley was born in Queens, New York and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Currently seeking her degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, Shaley is also working on building her own business for clothing. Shaley is a talented artist, and fashion designer for her brand OPAL APPAREL that promotes diversity, inclusivity and power. Shaley was once very athletic, participated in the annual Spartan Races and ran marathons for good causes. On the night of March 19, 2020 her world turned for the worse surviving an attack from her ex-girlfriend that left her fighting for her life. She shared a portion of her story with Discovery+ on Fight or Flight which aired June 2022. She is currently writing a book about her traumatic survival. Website for OPAL APPAREL As the website is currently under rebranding For any orders please send an email to Opal.apparel@opalapparel.info