Thinking Allowed

Becca Voelcker, a Lecturer at Goldsmiths, dives into the intricate ties between sight and power, exploring how our visibility shapes societal control. Jeremy Bentham's panopticon serves as a historical backdrop, questioning modern surveillance's role in our daily lives. They discuss the fine line between being seen for recognition versus control, and the evolution of surveillance from targeting criminals to watching everyone. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on privacy and identity, urging listeners to reflect on their own visibility in a scrutinized world.

Nicole Lobdell, an Assistant Professor of English, dives into the cultural and metaphorical significance of X-rays, exploring how they reveal hidden truths while evoking fear of exposure. She discusses their influence on art and cinema, along with their role during the pandemic. Joining her is Tom Rice, an Associate Professor specializing in medical technology, who unpacks the iconic status of the stethoscope, examining its emotional and historical significance in medicine and its symbolic representation in our understanding of healthcare.

Geoffrey Moss, a Sociology Professor at Temple University, examines the subcultural lives of Philadelphia's hipster baristas. He discusses how middle-class youth embrace low-wage coffee jobs for artistic freedom but face challenges from class and gentrification. Grazia Ting Deng, a Brandeis Lecturer, explores the rise of Chinese-managed coffee bars in Italy, a shift shaped by immigration and economic changes. Both guests reveal how coffee culture serves as a dynamic landscape reflecting broader social and cultural shifts.

In this discussion, Aaron Reeves, a sociology professor at Oxford, uncovers the profiles and trajectories of the British elite, revealing that while their backgrounds may have shifted, social dynamics remain entrenched. He challenges the notion of meritocracy and examines whether today's elites mirror the privileged past. Additionally, Rachel Louise Stenhouse sheds light on private school advantages in Oxbridge admissions, questioning if success stems from true talent or entrenched privilege. Together, they dissect the accessibility of elite education and the implications for social equity.

Guests Emma Casey and Katie Appleford discuss the impact of the MetroCentre shopping mall in Gateshead and the changing shopping habits of UK mothers post-COVID. They delve into the history of malls, consumer behavior shifts during the pandemic, and the future of shopping experiences.

Former swimming champion and Assistant Professor, Piotr Florczyk, discusses the cultural significance of swimming pools, from Hollywood films to racial segregation issues. Susie Scott analyzes social norms in pool behavior. The podcast explores the history of swimming pools, art representations, and future challenges such as water shortages and climate change.

Exploring the connection between body movements and freedom, guests Matthew Beaumont and Beth Linker discuss how race, class, and politics influence posture panic. They delve into the societal implications of maintaining good posture, the political symbolism of walking, and the impact of posture on power dynamics and racialization. An intriguing look at the relationship between the body and societal structures.

Helena Hansen discusses the surprisingly white face of the US opioid crisis, highlighting structural racism in drug policy. Alex Stevens provides a UK perspective on the rise of synthetic opioids. The podcast explores the devastating impact of OxyContin and the racial disparities in opioid treatment programs.

Garden Utopias: Michael Gilson, Associate Fellow of the School of Media, Arts and Humanities, University of Sussex, takes Laurie Taylor behind the privet hedge, to explore the suburban garden and the beautification of Britain. How did millions of British people develop an obsession with their own cherished plot of land? Although stereotyped as symbols of dull, middle class conformity, these gardens were once seen as the vanguard of progressive social change, a dream of a world in which beauty would be central to all of our lives. Also, JC Niala, anthropologist, allotment historian and writer, discusses 36 months of fieldwork on allotment sites and guerrilla gardened streets across Oxford and suggests these are places where urban gardeners imagine, invent, and produce a hopeful future within their city.Producer: Jayne Egerton

Richard Sennett, renowned sociologist and former cellist, explores the complex nature of performance in art, politics, and everyday life. From unemployed dockworkers competing for jobs in NYC to defiant AIDS patients staging Shakespeare readings, he delves into the power and ambiguity of performance. Reflecting on his transition from music to sociology, Sennett discusses the influence of captivating speakers like Foucault and the impact of performance on personal identities and societal dynamics.