Pioneering Social Research: Life Stories of a Generation

Join the Department of Sociology for an insightful online discussion: Pioneering Social Research: Life Stories of a Generation

Pioneering Social Research: Life Stories of a Generation by Emeritus Professor Paul Thompson, Emeritus Professor Ken Plummer and Dr Neli Demireva is a doubly unusual book: it does not argue a single hard-shaped account of how British social research developed, but a way into exploring its diversity; and it does not stand alone as a book, but is the frontispiece, the doorway, for a remarkable set of life story interviews.

These 58 interviews are available in full for research and teaching as audio and transcript online, through both the UK Data Service (including also audio clips on YouTube) and the British Library.

This discussion will touch on several important questions: How did social research develop in the UK in the 20th century? What were key moments of discovery? Who were these pioneers and what did they study and publish? What impact did they have? Are they relevant to contemporary debates on intersecting inequalities, feminist inquiry, methods, racism and decolonisation?

Emeritus Professor Paul Thompson will briefly outline the life story project on which the book is based; Emeritus Professor Ken Plummer and other discussants will comment on the key issues of the book.

Chaired by Dr Neli Demireva. 

This online webinar will conclude with open discussion including comments and memories from participants.

To register your place now, book via eventbrite.

This online discussion is part of an open series, hosted by the Department of Sociology, to find out more visit the Department of Sociology and follow us on Facebook.