Thinking Allowed

Does making things really make us happy? How does craft contribute to bringing people together? David Gauntlett and Richard Sennett join Laurie to discuss

Laurie speaks to Valerie Walkerdine about the impact of redundancy on a former steel town and hears from Vicki Harman about her study of ballroom dancing as he visits the British Sociological Association's 60th Conference.

Mary Gethins tells Laurie about her in-depth study of Catholic police working in Northern Ireland. He discusses Facebook in Trinidad with Daniel Miller and David Wall.

Street Politics: protests, policing, revolution and just getting about - Leif Jerram and John Clarke discuss how the geography of cities have contributed to the development of society. Laurie also talks to Jeffrey Alenxander about 'perfoming' the revolution in Tahrir Square.

Does organised crime really spread into new territories? Federico Varese tells Laurie about the capacities and limitation of the Mafia. Also live music has overtaken recorded in terms of revenue - Simon Frith and Martin Cloonan tell Laurie why.

Professor Laurie Taylor discusses the influence of the 19th Century Temperance Movement and examines the notion of power and prosperity shifting to the frozen North.

In a special edition, Laurie speaks to the cultural theorist Stuart Hall about his ideas on politics, national identity and multiculturalism.

Call centre workers in India are trained to emulate their callers. Laurie hears from Shehzad Nadeem about this leads to a parallel hybrid culture of westernised names and habits in India. Also, Marek Kohn discusses listeners reactions to the idea that the quest for happiness makes us unhappy.

What is the legacy of a poor person? A new study by Patricia Drentea finds that it is something she calls 'ethical capital. Also, Laurie hears that we shouldn't worry about not being happy. Pascal Bruckner says the emphasis on banishing suffering only makes us miserable.

What is the work experience of the illegal immigrants taking part in the British economy? Laurie hears about a new report from David Whyte. Also, is the American Death Penalty an anomaly in an age of abolition? David Garland and Ken MacDonald join Laurie to discuss.

How do Islamic societies respond to the perceived threat of capitalis? Charles Tripp tells Laurie. Also, Sex Before the Sexual Revolution, Laurie hears of a new study of England between the sheets between the wars.

How does class impact men's health? Alan Dolan tells Laurie about his new study. Also the phenomenon of plastic surgery in Brazil, where beauty is a right and the poor can get 'bum lifts' and 'nose jobs' for free. Alex Edmonds talks about his book Pretty Modern.

How has the place of the bicycle changed in British Culture? Iain Sinclair tells Laurie. Also a new study on Second Homes by Chris Paris, discussed with Susan Smith.

How to get ahead in Politcs - Biol Jones talks to Laurie about shinning up the greasy pole. Also, do freedom and equality sometimes conflict? A.C.Grayling and Ronald Dworkin (author of Justice For Hedgehogs) tell Laurie any supposed conflict is just a misunderstanding.

Why do people give more money to natural disasters than they do to those they perceive as man-made? A new report by Hanna Zagefka. Also, brutal punishment attacks in West Belfast - why do they have no impact in stopping youth deviance? Laurie and Dick Hobbs talk to Hannah Hamill about her new study.