Prof John Preston

Biography

Professor John Preston works on the sociology of emergencies and existential threat. He is best known for his work on the relationship between real and imagined disasters and social inequalities. His latest book on this theme is "Apocalypse Capitalism: Economic Visions after Nuclear War" (Bristol University Press, 2026). He has also analysed the relationships between education, crisis and the end of human learning. Work on this topic includes "Artificial Intelligence in the Capitalist University Academic Labour, Commodification, and Value" (Routledge, 2021)., This book makes the case that AI is a business and management paradigm in Higher Education that changes the nature of academic work and knowledge production. With Rhiannon Firth, he is the author of "Utopia in the Factory: Prefigurative Knowledge Against Cybernetics" (Palgrave, 2025). This book critiques the cybernetic paradigm in business, society and politics. It argues that cybernetics is the root of attempts to impose AI, digital control and top-down planning in contemporary societies. Humans use tacit knowledge and engage in passions and hobbies that are not reducible to machine circuits. The book claims that cybernetics, as a political paradigm, limits human freedom.

Qualifications

• Phd University of London,

• MA Economics of Education (Distinction) University of London,

• BA (Hons.) Economics 2:1 University of Lancaster,

Appointments

University of Essex

• Professor of Sociology, Sociology, University of Essex (8/1/2018 - present)

Other academic

• Professor of Education, Education, Bath Spa University (1/9/2017 - 7/1/2018)

• Professor of Education, University of East London (1/9/2009 - 1/9/2017)

• Reader in Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Learning, Institute of Education (University of London) (1/1/2008 - 1/9/2009)

• Senior Lecturer in Education, Education, University of East London (1/1/2005 - 31/12/2008)

• Research Officer, Lifelong Learning, Institute of Education (University of London) (1/1/2000 - 31/12/2004)