Senior lecturer in Sociology at the University of Essex, Dr Katy Wheeler, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into how sustainability and environmental issues are taught in school. This is a fascinating discussion for teachers generally - how should we broach this subject - and for sociology teachers in particular, both in terms of the Education topic, and the places where the environment is in the spec (green crime, consumption, global development, etc.)

Professor Diane Reay from Cambridge University joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into education and social class, and her thoughts on the impact of recent policies on students as well as what might come from the new government.

As you might imagine, from this famous author of Miseducation and many, many journal articles, she does not hold back!!

Assistant headteacher, PhD student and experienced sociology teacher, Andrew Jones, returns to the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how teachers of sociology (and other subjects) can maintain political neutral in the classroom, as well as the limits to that neutrality. Another fascinating chat with this great returning guest.

Sociology lecturer at the University of Bath, Helen Kowalewska, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into the impact of social policy on women and gender inequality. They discuss Helen's most recent research into women over the age of 60 (including the WASPI women) and the different research methods that she has employed. They talk about the often double-edge nature of social policy that can on the one hand help women but in other respects reinforce patriarchal assumptions (e.g. maternity leave). They also consider some of the reasons for why there has not been more progress towards gender equality.

Dr Katherine Davies, from the University of Sheffield, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about her research into siblings and other family and friendship relationships, as well as her work on the impact of Brexit on families. She also discusses her qualitative and creative research methods. Definitely worth a lesson to hear about some contemporary research (relevant to families, education, identity, stratification and more) and research methods.

https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526142177/

Criminologist and sociologist from the University of Kent, Dr Emma Cooke, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about her journey into the subject and her research into the criminal justice system, as well as how we can support students for Higher Education. Want to add something really contemporary to your lessons on the CJS? Here's a good starting place!

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-hidden-world-of-the-legal-aid-lawyer

The Sociology Staffroom returns in a new "every other week" schedule with lots of great guests scheduled. In this episode, the subject lead for Sociology at tutor2u, Duncan Hall, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to look at those important words that can be key to higher marks in Sociology essays. One area they particularly focus on is "today" and "contemporary" and the importance of contemporary research is an important focus for the rest of this academic year on the Podcast. Stay tuned folks!

Experienced sociology teacher Richard Brinkley joins Duncan in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how to make lessons more interactive, including some great ideas!