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.
This exciting day will include an invaluable lunchtime exam session to propel students to even greater success. Join us for an inspirational, immersive and interactive day of sociology!
“Worthwhile and engaging, as ever. High calibre speakers and a super expansion of the A-level specification.”
— Sydenham High School, Autumn 2024 —
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. 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 awarded her one of their first Lifetime Achievement Awards for her extraordinary contribution to the history of the development of sociology in Britain.
Seven typical British children today - injustice and hope Danny Dorling, University of Oxford
If we found seven typical children to represent today’s UK, who would they be and what would their stories reveal? Amid a cost-of-living crisis, this could be a depressing story, when even the best off is disadvantaged. Yet aspirations endure and there are many signs that things could be improving. Professor Dorling explores what kinds of lives British children are living between the extremes.
About Professor Danny Dorling
Danny Dorling is a sociologist, social geographer and the Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at Oxford University. He has co-authored dozens of books and journals on social inequalities. His work concerns housing, health, employment, education and poverty and his most recent book, Seven Children, was published in 2024.
Race and education in today's world Sociology in Action
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 Sociology in Action
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.
This exciting day will include an invaluable lunchtime exam session to propel students to even greater success. Join us for an inspirational, immersive and interactive day of sociology!
Representations of Female Crime: Reflections from a Decade in the Field Gemma Birkett, City St George's, University of London
It is easy to see why women who commit serious offences have immediate news value by virtue of their rarity. Feminist critics in particular believe that the media tap into and magnify deep-seated public fears about deviant and unruly women, while paying less attention to their male counterparts. This talk will reflect on a decade spent working with and researching women in the criminal justice system as well as addressing some of the ‘myths’ versus ‘realities’ in this space.
About Dr Gemma Birkett
Gemma Birkett is a Reader in Criminal Justice at City St George’s, University of London. Her research focuses on sentencing and penal policy, with a particular focus on women in the justice system. She undertakes research and consultancy work for several criminal justice charities as well as for the House of Commons Justice Select Committee, assisting with its inquiry on rehabilitation and resettlement.
Celebrity culture and the media Ellis Cashmore, Sociologist and cultural critic
Sociologist Ellis Cashmore will explore the evolution of celebrity culture and the rise of the paparazzi, reality TV, influencers and a new type of media. He will draw on decades of research and some recent case studies to unpick and examine the mechanics behind modern celebrity and what it reveals about our values, desires and identity.
About Professor Ellis Cashmore
Ellis Cashmore is a sociologist, cultural critic and author. He is currently a visiting professor of sociology at Aston University and has previously lectured at universities in the USA and Hong Kong. He has published widely on celebrity culture, the media, racism and sport.