About this day
For A-level students
This outstanding enrichment day for enthusiastic A-level Sociology students is back in London this autumn. In a cutting-edge and inspiring programme, leading sociologists, academics and media personalities will address a range of challenging and powerful questions on how society functions, the factors which influence our choices and how we experience life. Presenting a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in today’s big sociological issues, this day will take students beyond their classroom experience, and leave them buzzing with new ideas and fresh perspectives. Topics covered will include race, education, feminism, gender, crime and deviance, identity and politics.
Programme & speakers
Feminism, gender and society Ann Oakley, Sociologist and Writer
Award-winning sociologist and writer Professor Ann Oakley will present a fascinating session on feminism and the impact of gender within the family and society. There will be plenty of opportunity for audience questions.
About Professor Ann Oakley
Ann Oakley is a writer and a sociologist. She is best known for her work on sex, gender and social science and has written numerous academic works and many novels. Most of her life has been spent working in university research. She is founder-director of and Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the Social Science Research Unit, UCL Social Research Institute. In 2011 the British Sociological Association gave her one of their first Lifetime Achievement Awards for her extraordinary contribution to the history of the development of sociology in Britain.
Race and education in today's world Jason Arday, University of Cambridge
The session will focus on the importance of Sociology in an increasingly politically divisive world, and how intersectional thinking informs this. Significantly, the session will centre on race and racism in society and how this impacts our education system.
About Professor Jason Arday
Jason Arday FRSA is a British sociologist, writer and fundraiser best known for his research on race and racism, inequality and education. In March 2023 he was appointed Professor of Sociology of Education at Cambridge University, the youngest black professor ever appointed at the university. He is also Honorary Professor at Durham University in the Department of Sociology, a Trustee of the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading Race Equality Thinktank, and the British Sociological Association (BSA).
Gangs, knives and youth violence: why the rise and what we can do about it? Simon Harding, University of West London
This presentation will consider how street gangs, drugs and social media all link together to produce situations where youth violence can occur. Professor Harding will look at drug markets, county lines, exploitation, status and weapons alongside social media, mobile phones and Drill music and explore how they all interlink, creating increased levels of violence in certain areas of the country.
About Professor Simon Harding
Simon is Professor in Criminology at the University of West London. He has 40 years professional experience in crime and previously worked with the Home Office and various local councils. Now as Director of the National Centre for Gang Research at University of West London, he advises the Home Office, Scotland Yard, the police, The Mayor’s Office, the National Crime Agency, charities and councils. His research includes youth violence, street gangs, knife crime, drug markets, county lines and modern slavery.
The rules of politics Daniel Finkelstein, Journalist and politician
We are delighted to welcome journalist Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE to present a session on the rules of politics.
About Lord Daniel Finkelstein
Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE is a leading British political journalist and politician. He is Associate Editor of The Times and a member of the House of Lords since August 2013.
Identity and socialisation - who we are and who we can be Dexter Dias KC, Human rights barrister
Using cutting-edge human rights, neuroscientific and psychological research, Dexter Dias KC will introduce you to ten types of human that inhabit your mind and in doing so, explore the links between socialisation and identity.
About Dexter Dias KC
Dexter Dias KC is a human rights barrister and Deputy High Court Judge who has been instructed in some of the biggest cases of recent years involving human rights, murder, crimes against humanity, terrorism and war crimes.