Matt Houlbrook

Matt Houlbrook, cultural historian of London who writes about race, class and urban change. Sharon Cornelissen, sociologist and housing expert who studies Detroit decline and housing policy. They discuss a 1920s London libel case that reveals early gentrification pressures. They contrast that with Brightmoor, Detroit, showing how depopulation, tax foreclosure and lack of investment can stall or reverse neighborhood revival.

Matt Houlbrook, a Professor of Cultural History at the University of Birmingham, discusses his book focusing on Seven Dials, a vibrant yet contested area of London during the 1920s and 1930s. He details a pivotal libel trial involving a local café that highlights struggles around urban development and racial narratives. Topics include the shifting meanings of space, media portrayals of the area as a 'black colony', and the clash between gentrification ambitions and community resistance. Houlbrook's insights reveal how historical tensions continue to shape contemporary London.

Listen to a discussion with Matt Houlbrook, Katie Jones, and Ben Mechen as they delve into the history of men and masculinities in modern Britain. Topics include the intersection of state bureaucracy and masculinity, narratives of masculinity in Sheffield and Liverpool, and reflective moments on masculinity in the historical profession. Discover how historical research can provide insights into understanding contemporary society.