The Sociology Show
Education & Explainer
About
The Sociology show hosted by Matthew Wilkin conducts interviews with a range of different people within the world of Sociology.
Episodes
- Crime and Deviance Episode 7 - (New Right Views)
This episode discusses the New Right view of crime and deviance. It also covers how socialization can impact criminality and defines the concept of the underclass.
- Crime and Deviance Episode 6 (Subcultural theory)
This episode discusses the subcultural view of crime and deviance, including its functional elements and its connection to capitalism and patriarchy.
- Crime and Deviance Episode 5 (Interactionism)
This episode of The Sociology Show discusses the interactionist view of crime and deviance. It covers labelling theory and the role of the media in labelling.
- Crime and Deviance - Episode 4 (Marxism)
This episode of The Sociology Show examines the Marxist perspective on crime and deviance. It discusses how laws may benefit the ruling class and the idea of capitalism being criminogenic.
- Crime and Deviance - Episode 3 (Functionalism)
This episode of The Sociology Show examines the Functionalist perspective on crime and deviance. It discusses the potential positive societal impacts of crime and individual benefits from deviant acts.
- Interview with Prof Simon Winlow on Bouncers, Badasses and Violence
Professor Simon Winlow discusses his ethnographic research on bouncers and the nighttime economy with Matthew, covering the practical and ethical challenges and significant findings from his work.
- Dr Catherine Hakim on 'Erotic Capital'
Dr Catherine Hakim discusses her concept of erotic capital, defined as a mix of attributes including beauty, social skills, and sex appeal, and its significance in social perception and life success.
- Crime and Deviance - Episode 2 (Measuring Crime)
This episode of The Sociology Show, titled 'Crime and Deviance - Episode 2 (Measuring Crime)', discusses how crime is measured. It covers official crime statistics, victimisation surveys, and self-report studies, examining the strengths an…
- Crime and Deviance - Episode 1 (Crime, Deviance and Victims)
This episode of The Sociology Show defines crime and deviance, discusses how crime is relative and socially constructed, and examines who the victims of crime are.
- Chinese students and English names (student takeover)
In this episode, students Xu Junzhe (Cecilia) and Li Haoran (Miles) discuss the phenomenon of Chinese students adopting English names. They explore the reasons behind this choice, its impact on identity and cultural belonging, and consider…
- Romanticisation - The effects of globalisation on Japan (Student takeover)
This episode features a student takeover by Olive Smith, who discusses the effects of globalisation on Japan. Olive Smith is from Westcliff High School for Girls in Essex.
- The impact of Globalisation (Student Takeover)
This student takeover episode features Naomi Hoffman discussing the impact of globalisation on the UK and applying sociological theory.
- Interview with Professor Jack Katz on The Seductions of Crime
Matthew interviews Professor Jack Katz from UCLA about his research on 'The Seductions of Crime'. The discussion focuses on Katz's thesis that specific emotional and sensual sensations play a significant role in the commission of various c…
- Interview with Dr Jennifer Fleetwood on 'What we talk about when we talk about crime'
Matthew interviews Dr Jennifer Fleetwood about her book 'What we talk about when we talk about crime'. The episode discusses how factors like gender, class, and race influence crime story narratives and how the 'truth' can be obscured.
- Interview with Professor Paul Seabright on religion and the divine economy
This episode features Matthew's conversation with Professor Paul Seabright about his book 'The Divine Economy.' They discuss how religions operate like businesses to generate profit and power, the concept of secularization, and the signifi…
- Interview with Anton Roberts on homelessness and masculinity
Matthew interviews Anton Roberts, a researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on his work concerning homelessness and exaggerated forms of masculinity.
- Interview with Professor Lee Elliot Major on social class and education
This episode features an interview with Professor Lee Elliot Major OBE, the first Professor of Social Mobility in the UK. He discusses his book 'Equity in education: Levelling the playing field of learning' and its relation to sociological…
- Why is football hooliganism back on the rise? (Prof Les back and Dr Isaac Hoff)
This episode discusses the rise of football hooliganism and anti-social behavior after COVID-19, with insights from Professor Les Back and Dr Isaac Hoff on topics including drug use, masculinity, and cultural resistance.
- Misogyny and video games (STUDENT TAKEOVER)
Students Harper Winslet, Jessica Thornton, and Leila Miller-Jones discuss misogyny in video games, drawing on Anita Sarkeesian's research and examining topics from early game objectification to modern influences like Andrew Tate.
- Interview with Professor Tom Shakespeare on disability
This episode features an interview with Professor Tom Shakespeare, focusing on his work in sociology and bioethics related to disability. Topics include the definition of disability, its impact on identity, evolving societal attitudes, and…
- Advice from a lead Examiner (AQA A-level Sociology Paper 3)
In this episode, Matthew interviews Circe Newbold, a lead examiner for the AQA A-level Sociology Paper 3 exam. Circe provides valuable insights into examiner expectations, effective question structuring, and advice for students aiming for…
- Interview with Professor Frank Furedi on 'Paranoid parenting'
This episode features an interview with Professor Frank Furedi, who discusses his book 'Paranoid Parenting'. Furedi, a professor of sociology, explores the rise of overprotection in childhood since the late 1970s, the effects of excessive…
- Advice from a lead Examiner (AQA A-level Sociology Paper 2)
In this episode of The Sociology Show, Matthew interviews lead examiner Kate Flatley about AQA A-level Sociology Paper 2. Kate provides essential advice on what examiners look for and effective question structuring techniques.
- Advice from a lead Examiner (AQA A-level Sociology Paper 1)
Circe Newbold, lead examiner for AQA A-level Sociology Paper 1, shares essential tips with Matthew on exam structure and what examiners look for.
- Interview with Paula Wright on Feminism vs Female choice
Matthew interviews Paula Wright, who argues that some forms of feminism ignore biology and restrict female choice. The discussion questions whether sociology overemphasizes social construction by disregarding biological differences.
- Antisemitism in Education (STUDENT TAKEOVER)
In this student takeover episode of The Sociology Show, Aimee Elsworth discusses antisemitism in education, highlighting it as an underrepresented issue.
- Social class and education with Katie Tyler (STUDENT SPECIAL)
Matthew interviews Sociology teacher Katie Tyler about approaching exam questions on social class and education. The discussion covers key sociologists, modern studies, and essential dos and don'ts for answering.
- Interview with Professor Catherine Lee MBE discussing Section 28
Professor Catherine Lee MBE discusses Section 28, a law in place in the UK between 1988 and 2003, with Matthew. The conversation references her book "Pretended: Schools and Section 28: Historical, Cultural and Personal Perspectives" and he…
- Interview with Jon Alexander on his book Citizens
This episode features Matthew interviewing author Jon Alexander about his book "Citizens." The book explores the historical shift from subject and consumer narratives to a natural "citizen" identity, providing tools to reshape organization…
- The relationship between Capitalism and the Patriarchy (STUDENT TAKEOVER)
This student takeover episode features Amelie from Westcliff high school for girls discussing the relationship between capitalism and patriarchy.
- Interview with Dr Poppy Gibson on social media & mental health
Matthew interviews Dr Poppy Gibson, a Senior Lecturer specializing in children's psychological development and mental health. They discuss the impact of social media on mental well-being, covering both the drawbacks and advantages, with a…
- Interview with comedian Joe Wilkinson on being alcohol free
In this episode of The Sociology Show, host Matthew interviews comedian Joe Wilkinson about his experience with being alcohol-free. Joe discusses his choice to stop drinking and the cultural difficulties of navigating a society where alcoh…
- Interview with Dr Sidsel Harder on the topic of pornography
Matthew interviews Dr Sidsel Harder about her research on sexual images and pornographic media. They discuss the legality of pornography, societal attitudes, and the complexities of censorship debates.
- Dr Leon Davis and Professor Les Back on why the World Cup is controversial
This episode features Matthew, Dr Leon Davis, and Professor Les Back discussing the controversies surrounding the Qatar World Cup. They explore the event's awarding, the treatment of migrant workers, and issues faced by LGBTQ+ fans.
- Interview with Mark Brooks OBE discussing International Men's Day
Matthew interviews Mark Brooks OBE about International Men's Day, observed annually on November 19th. Brooks is a senior policy adviser focused on men and boys' wellbeing and a national ambassador for International Men's Day UK.
- Interview with Shaley on her experience of domestic violence
This episode features an interview with Shaley, a survivor of domestic violence, discussing her personal experiences and her advocacy work through her clothing brand, OPAL APPAREL.
- Interview with Chris Waugh on the topic of masculinity
Matthew speaks with Chris Waugh, a PhD student researching masculinity, anti-sexism, and activist culture within radical left-wing movements in the UK. Waugh's research has been published by Palgrave Macmillan.
- Interview with Jonas Hart on the topic of religion
Sociologist Jonas Hart discusses the enduring importance of religion in personal identity and its significant, underlying role in national governments, even amidst secularization.
- An introduction to Sociological theory
Matthew introduces basic Sociological theory, explaining structuralism versus social action theory and consensus versus conflict theory. He also links to detailed episodes on functionalism, Marxism, feminism, interactionism, and post-moder…
- Top tips for going into the second year of a Sociology course with Kate Flatley
Kate Flatley provides essential advice for students entering their second year of a Sociology course. Key recommendations include reviewing previous work and starting strong, with a special mention of The Sociology Show podcast.
- Interview with Manuela Mendoza Horvitz and Prof Carol Vincent
This episode features Matthew's interview with Manuela Mendoza and Prof Carol Vincent, discussing a special edition of the Journal of Sociology on the
- The Sociology starter pack for new students
This episode of The Sociology Show provides a starter pack for new students, covering the definition of sociology, 18 essential key terms, and an outline of socialization and the nature vs. nurture debate.
- Interview with Professor Michael G Flaherty
Matthew speaks with Professor Michael G Flaherty about his sociological research on time and temporal experience. Professor Flaherty is the co-author of 'The Cage of Days: Time and Temporal Experience in Prison'.
- Interview with Professor Iain Borden on skateboarding and subcultures
Professor Iain Borden joins Matthew to discuss the youth subculture of skateboarding, its changing popularity since the mid-60s, and its relationship with urban environments. Borden has authored two books on the topic.
- Interview with Dr Lexi Stadlen
This episode features an interview with Dr. Lexi Stadlen, who discusses her research in India focusing on women's intimate lives, drawing from her experiences and her book 'Nine Paths'.
- Social Media and mental health with Lauren Doyle
Matthew talks to Lauren Doyle, an Academic Tutor and PhD Research Student, about her research into the impact of social media on body image, nutrition, and online diet culture, including influencer culture and its associated social harms.
- Interview with Dr Shantey Francis
Matthew interviews Dr Shantey Francis, a criminologist and senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. Her research centers on young people, crime, and violence, with an emphasis on amplifying youth voice.
- Interview with Dr Julie Parsons (and James)
In this episode of The Sociology Show, host Matthew interviews Dr Julie Parsons, an Associate Professor in Sociology and Criminology, and James, who is on placement at LandWorks. They discuss Dr Parsons' research on desistance journeys and…
- Interview with Dr Ben Milbourn on occupational therapy
In this episode of The Sociology Show, Matthew interviews Dr Ben Milbourn, a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Curtin University. Dr. Milbourn shares his expertise on mental health, disability contexts, and his research focused on…
- Interview with Sociology North
Mathew interviews Emma Duffy and Jack Cunningham from Sociology North, a collective focused on making sociology accessible and relatable by putting it into action through projects and activities. Their blog aims to share perspectives from…