A hub for interdisciplinary exchange on questions of theory and methodology in the study of contemporary society — bringing together researchers from sociology, social psychology, politics, history, linguistics, and cultural studies.
All are welcome here. This is an open and supportive space for researchers at every stage of their career and at any point in the research process, from first ideas to final revisions.
We run both in person and hybrid sessions, so you can easily take part wherever you are. If you have not already, please consider joining the mailing list below.
It has become a particularly engaging and encouraging environment for postgraduate researchers to share and develop their work, so do come along.
Events and Seminar Series
Open to academics and postgraduates - all career stages and research stages welcome
'Work in Progress' seminar series
A relaxed, collegial space to share new, developing, or re-starting research ideas and receive constructive feedback. There's no expectation of polished work - the earlier the stage, the better.
Previous sessions have included feedback on book chapters, conference abstracts, postgraduate methodological considerations, and early-stage concepts.
To contribute, bring your ideas along or email to have something circulated to the group in advance.
'The Shape of Sociology to Come' roundtable series
An ongoing series exploring the frontiers and futures of sociological thought, practice, and methodology. A space for bigger conversations about where the discipline is heading.
Last term featured Patricia Gilbert, Naheem Jabbar, and Alessia Tranchese in a roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Academia.
The specialist research interests of group members include:
- Classical and contemporary social and cultural theory
- Climate change: social, economic, and political issues
- Consumption and the environment
- Culture, class, taste and aesthetics
- Eating, food, and drink
- Economic life, work, and employment
- Education, knowledge, and social reproduction
- Emotions, happiness and wellbeing
- Gender, sexuality, and identity
- Globalization, inequality and protest movements
- Homelessness and migrant homelessness
- Race, ethnicity, citizenship, and nationalism
- Religion and secularisation
- Sport, culture and economy
Recent projects
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Homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic: Homeless migrants in a global crisis
We’re collaborating with the University of Sussex and St Mungo’s to record the biographical narratives of homeless migrants in London, º£½ÇÊÓƵ and Brighton; their stories are framed and shaped by the national and global context of COVID-19.
Research group leads
Dr George Ackers
Haru Menard
Join our mailing list
Sign up to receive updates about upcoming seminars, roundtables, and research news. Open to academics, postgraduates, and anyone with an interest in sociological research.
To join our mailing list, please email: george.ackers@port.ac.uk
Please include your name, email address, and affiliation (e.g. academic staff, postgraduate researcher, visiting researcher). Your details will be used only for group communications and will not be shared with third parties.