Thinking Allowed

Research Student, Eloise Radcliffe, discusses her study into how couples cope when one develops a chronic illness. Also, Fashion and dress in later life: Laurie Taylor talks to Professor Julia Twigg, about the links between clothing and age. Has the emergence of a 'grey market' finally shifting cultural norms and trends? Robert Elms, broadcaster, writer and fashion enthusiast, joins the discussion.

Pocket Calculator - The anthropologist, Anthony Pickles, reveals the significance of pockets for controlling money in Highland Papua New Guinea. Also, Chicago - The Great American City - Laurie Taylor talks to US Professor of Social Sciences, Robert J Sampson about his landmark research project into the importance of communities.

The health researcher, Nicolette Rousseau, discusses the experience and meaning of teeth loss and replacement. Also, Communist 'utopia' in a Spanish village. Laurie Taylor talks to Dan Hancox, about his research into a tiny community in Andalucia which set out to create an egalitarian enclave after the demise of General Franco. They're joined by the social geographer, Helen Jarvis.

The US sociologist, Lucia Trimbur, invites us into the everyday world of Gleason's gym, the last remaining institution of New York's golden age of boxing. Also, Sport and Capitalism: Laurie Taylor talks to Tony Collins about his new book which argues that modern sport is as much a product of our economic system as the factory.

Kalwant Bhopal, discusses her research into the experience of traveller children in schools. Also, The Poppy - Laurie Taylor talks to renowned archeologist and anthropologist, Nicholas Saunders, about his account of how did a humble flower of the field became a worldwide icon? They're joined by Professor of History, Joanna Bourke.

Why do we work almost as hard as we did 40 years ago, despite being on average twice as rich? Professor of Political Economy Robert Skidelsky suggests an escape from the work and consumption treadmill. Also, Neoliberal economics in the post-Recession world. Laurie Taylor talks to Philip Mirowski, about his analysis of why neoliberalism survived, and even prospered, in the aftermath of the financial meltdown of 2008.

Richard Hoggart: Laurie Taylor talks to Professor Fred Inglis about his biography of this leading cultural commentator and academic. Also, changing conceptions of the family - Professor of Sociology, Carol Smart, pays tribute to the late Mary Mcintosh's book 'The Anti Social Family'. Deborah Chambers, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, joins the debate.

US sociologist, Kimberly Kay Hoang, discusses her research into Vietnamese sex workers who marry American men and end up, contrary to expectations, as breadwinners in the US? Also, 'Low pay, no pay' Britain. Laurie Taylor talks to Tracy Shildrick, about her study of individuals and families, in Teeside North East England, who are living in or near poverty.

Marek Korczynski discusses his research into the abuse of service workers by customers. Also, Muslims against Muslim Fundamentalism - Laurie Taylor talks to Karima Bennoune about her study into resistance to religious extremism in Muslim majority contexts. They are joined by Professor Stephen Vertigans, who has studied Islamic movements globally.

Professor Gillian Bendelow discusses her research into the use of section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Also, World Service – Laurie Taylor talks to Marie Gillespie about her new book on the BBC's Foreign Service’s broadcasters. They are joined by Ramy Aly, Middle Eastern scholar who has studied the BBC Arabic Service.

Twitter - Laurie Taylor talks to Dhiraj Murthy, about his ground-breaking study on social communication in the Twitter age and the ways in which Twitter is re-making contemporary life. Also, elite university admissions. Natasha Kumar Warikoo, discusses her research into the perceptions of meritocracy and inequality among undergraduates at Oxford University. Melissa Benn, writer and education campaigner, joins the discussion.

'Eating the world' - the geographer, Emily Falconer, discusses her research into the food driven impulses of backpacking tourists. Also, Slum Tourism - Laurie Taylor talks to Bianca Freire-Medeiros, about her study of Rocinha, a district in Rio de Janeiro and the transformation of impoverished neighbourhoods into attractions for international tourists. They are joined by Professor of Tourism Mobilities, Kevin Hannam.

Noodle narratives - Laurie Taylor talks to US anthropologist, Deborah Gewertz, about the invention, production and consumption of instant ramen noodles. Also, British men dancing like Brazilians. Neil Stephens explains why Capoeira challenges the traditional opposition between masculinity and dance. He's joined by Theresa Buckland, Professor of Performing Arts.

White working class voters - Nathan Manning discusses his research into the meaning and causes of white, working class political disaffection in Yorkshire and the Northwest. He's joined by Professor of Politics, Michael Kenny. Also, Holiday Hedonism - Laurie Taylor talks to the criminologist, Daniel Briggs, about his study into young British tourists' risk taking behaviour in Ibiza.

Working in the other Square Mile - Melissa Tyler discusses her study of sales workers in Soho sex shops. Also,Laurie Taylor talks to Sophie Parkin, about her book on the Colony Room Club and its place in the wider history of Bohemian life. They are joined by Elizabeth Wilson Professor of Cultural Studies.