Thinking Allowed

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Recent episodes (10)

• TA 23 May 12: Wine tasting - US philanthropy

  Wed, 23 May 12

  Duration:
  29 mins

  What does the language of wine tell us about civilisation? Laurie Taylor talks to Professor Steven Shapin about the cultural and chemical evolution of wine tasting. Also, Professor Inderjeet Parmar explores the power of US philanthropy.

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• TA16 May 12: Why love hurts

  Wed, 16 May 12

  Duration:
  29 mins

  Laurie Taylor puts love under the sociological microscope with Sociologist, Eva Illouz who contends that the nature of romantic suffering has changed radically in the modern era. They are joined by Stephen Frosh, Professor of Psychosocial studies.

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• TA 09 May 12: Hebden Bridge - Neighbours

  Wed, 9 May 12

  Duration:
  29 mins

  Laurie Taylor explores the changing fortunes of the Yorkshire Town of Hebden Bridge with writer Paul Barker and talks to the social historian, Emily Cockayne, about her research on relations between neighbours down the ages.

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• TA 02 May 12: Nationhood - Recognising Transsexuals

  Wed, 2 May 12

  Duration:
  28 mins

  How is the everyday affection for one's country changing in English life? Laurie Taylor talks to Michael Skey about Nationhood. Laurie also discusses the issues of Transsexuals and the body modifications they choose with Zowie Davy; they’re joined by Angela McRobbie.

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• TA 25 Apr 12: Raoul Moat, the media story - Indian sex workers

  Wed, 25 Apr 12

  Duration:
  29 mins

  The story of the hunt for the lone gunman Raoul Moat had many of the ingredients of classic crime fiction; Laurie Taylor speaks to criminologist Michael Rowe. And Prabha Kotiswaran discusses her ethnographic study of the life of prostitutes in two of India's cities.

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• TA 18 Apr 12: Boat race - Crack cocaine users

  Wed, 18 Apr 12

  Duration:
  28 mins

  Anthony King talks about his research into the vital part played by rhythm in rowing success. He explains the factors behind Cambridge crew attempt to establish a rowing rhythm. Also, what is the reality of life for a crack cocaine user in South London? Daniel Briggs discusses his new ethnography of a day to day observation of the people who use the drug, and their struggles to get the drug and also to get off it.

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• TA 11 Apr 12: Rubbish - Civil partnerships

  Wed, 11 Apr 12

  Duration:
  29 mins

  Are we right to be worried by how much we throw away? Laurie Taylor talks to Martin O’Brien author of a new book ‘A Crisis of Waste?’ and Jeff Ferrell who wrote ‘Empire of Scrounge’. Also, how do civil partnerships compare to heterosexual marriages? Carol Smart talks about her research.

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• TA 04 Apr 12: Steeltown - Life After Burberry

  Wed, 4 Apr 12

  Duration:
  29 mins

  When the factories close, what happens to the communities they leave behind? Laurie discusses the effects of industrial decline in Wales with Valerie Walkerdine who’s researched the impact of the closure of the steelworks in 'Steeltown’ and Jean Jenkins who’s investigated how the closure of the Burberry factory in Treorchy affected non-work life for the workers concerned.

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• TA 28 Mar 12: Culinary Culture And Globalisation - Dignity

  Wed, 28 Mar 12

  Duration:
  29 mins

  What is the difference between German and British haute cuisine, and what do they have in common? Laurie talks to economic sociologist Christel Lane about her comparative study; food critic William Sitwell joins the discussion. And, Philosopher Michael Rosen explains the practical applications of dignity, how it forms the basis of notions like human rights.

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• TA 21 Mar 12: Home at RIBA

  Wed, 21 Mar 12

  Duration:
  28 mins

  What does the idea of home mean to us in Britain? Laurie Taylor is joined by Angela Brady, President of RIBA; housing economist Susan Smith; sociologist Esther Dermott and architectural writer Jonathan Glancey to discuss how ‘home’ has changed and how new needs are being met.

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