Thinking Allowed

Brooke Harrington, a Professor of Economic Sociology at Dartmouth, dives into the murky waters of offshore finance, revealing its global repercussions and moral dilemmas. She shares her firsthand research experiences in tax havens, questioning the cost of secrecy in an unequal world. Joining her is Guido Alfani, an Economic History Professor at Bocconi University, who unravels the precarious history of the super-rich over a millennium. Together, they ponder how societal views of wealth have evolved and what that means for accountability today.

Simeon Koole, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol, explores how touch shaped social interactions in urban 19th and 20th-century Britain. He highlights how crowded spaces like Liverpool Street Station transformed our understanding of personal space. Carey Jewitt, a Professor at University College London, discusses the impact of technology on touch, envisioning a future where digital interactions could mimic physical connection. Both guests uncover the complexities of intimacy, isolation, and the evolving role of touch in our relationships.

In a riveting discussion, Jennifer Fleetwood, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, and Louise Wattis, an Assistant Professor focusing on true crime narratives, dive into our obsession with crime stories. They explore how personal accounts from criminals are reshaping the public’s understanding of crime, raising questions about the reliability of these narratives. They also examine the allure of 'hard man' biographies, particularly among men, and dissect the ethical complexities of portraying violence and masculinity in modern media.

Ben Highmore, a Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Sussex and author of "Playgrounds: The Experimental Years," discusses the revolutionary adventure playgrounds that emerged after WWII, transforming bomb sites into vibrant spaces for child creativity. He explores the influential figures behind these playgrounds and their vision for fostering autonomy and social change. Highmore also reflects on the evolution of play in today’s risk-averse society, the challenges these playgrounds face, and their lasting impact on community and child development.

Mark Graham, a Professor of Internet Geography at the Oxford Internet Institute, reveals the hidden struggles of the low-wage workers powering AI, shedding light on their precarious conditions. Paula Bialski, an Associate Professor at the University of St. Gallen, discusses the often-overlooked realities of software development, where the focus is more on fixing issues than creating flashy innovations. Together, they expose the exploitative labor dynamics in tech and emphasize the need for ethical responsibility and worker recognition in this rapidly evolving industry.

Laurie Taylor hosts Ann Murcott, an expert in food packaging, discussing its evolution from tin cans to plastic trays and its social implications. They ponder the environmental impact of modern packaging and whether it's truly wasteful. Meanwhile, Anastacia Marx de Salcedo defends processed foods, breaking down myths and advocating for an understanding of health effects. She highlights the balance of convenience and authenticity in food systems, along with the gender dynamics of cooking responsibilities. It's a thought-provoking exploration of our relationship with food!

Jana Costas, Chair of People, Work & Management at the European University Viadrina, explores the unseen lives of cleaners in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz, discussing the dignity they carve out despite societal stigmas. Katie Bailey, Emeritus Professor of Work and Employment at King's College London, analyzes why workers in fields like nursing and the arts find deep meaning in their jobs. Together, they uncover the contrasting worlds of corporate professionals and cleaners, shedding light on the invisible labor that often goes unrecognized.

Helen Sampson, a Professor at Cardiff University, shares her 25 years of fieldwork with seafarers, revealing the stark contrast between the romanticized view of life at sea and its isolating reality. Sara Caputo, a Senior Research Fellow at Cambridge, discusses the evolution of maritime mapping, emphasizing its role in shaping modern trade and power dynamics. They also explore the psychological effects of maritime life, the growing surveillance on ships, and the emotional sacrifices seafarers make by missing pivotal life moments.

Elizabeth Pearson, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, and Katherine Williams, a Postdoctoral researcher, dive deep into the often-overlooked intersection of gender and radicalization. They explore how misogyny influences extremist ideologies across the political spectrum. Pearson sheds light on her research into British extremist groups, while Williams challenges the stereotype that women are disconnected from far-right movements. Their discussion reveals the complex roles women play in these ideologies, highlighting empowerment amidst oppression and the surprising dynamics within radical spheres.

Yvonne Jewkes, a Professor of Criminology at the University of Bath, discusses innovative prison designs that foster rehabilitation, showcasing successful examples like Norway's Halden prison. Lynne McMordie, a Research Associate at Heriot-Watt University, sheds light on the issues homeless individuals face in shelters, arguing that the communal environment often exacerbates their struggles. The conversation advocates for humane living spaces and sustainable housing solutions, emphasizing the need for respect towards individual choices in coping with homelessness.