Thinking Allowed

Laurie Taylor talks to Sociologist, Jeff Kidder about his research on why so many Americans are morally opposed to taxation. Peter Taylor-Gooby, Professor of Social Policy joins the discussion. Pulitzer Prize winning writer Katherine Boo talks about her study of the Annawadi settlement in Mumbai and shares the stories of the slum dwellers she met.

Kinship is a key term in Anthropology. The French anthropologist, Maurice Godelier, tells Laurie Taylor about his ground-breaking study into the evolution of kinship; also joining the debate are celebrated British anthropologists, Henrietta Moore and Adam Kuper.

From this year's British Sociological Association conference, Laurie Taylor talks to Maria Papapolydorou about her research on how class impacts on young people’s choice and experience of friendship. He also talks to Lisa Mckenzie about working class alienation on the St Anne's housing estate in Nottingham.

What do British comics past and present tell us about our identities as a nation? Laurie Taylor talks to Professor James Chapman, author of a new book charting the cultural history of British comics, and to broadcaster Matthew Sweet. Professor Nicoli Nattrass discusses US and South African conspiracy theories about the causes of AIDS.

What does the language of wine tell us about civilisation? Laurie Taylor talks to Professor Steven Shapin about the cultural and chemical evolution of wine tasting. Also, Professor Inderjeet Parmar explores the power of US philanthropy.

Laurie Taylor puts love under the sociological microscope with Sociologist, Eva Illouz who contends that the nature of romantic suffering has changed radically in the modern era. They are joined by Stephen Frosh, Professor of Psychosocial studies.

Laurie Taylor explores the changing fortunes of the Yorkshire Town of Hebden Bridge with writer Paul Barker and talks to the social historian, Emily Cockayne, about her research on relations between neighbours down the ages.

How is the everyday affection for one's country changing in English life? Laurie Taylor talks to Michael Skey about Nationhood. Laurie also discusses the issues of Transsexuals and the body modifications they choose with Zowie Davy; they’re joined by Angela McRobbie.

The story of the hunt for the lone gunman Raoul Moat had many of the ingredients of classic crime fiction; Laurie Taylor speaks to criminologist Michael Rowe. And Prabha Kotiswaran discusses her ethnographic study of the life of prostitutes in two of India's cities.

Anthony King talks about his research into the vital part played by rhythm in rowing success. He explains the factors behind Cambridge crew attempt to establish a rowing rhythm. Also, what is the reality of life for a crack cocaine user in South London? Daniel Briggs discusses his new ethnography of a day to day observation of the people who use the drug, and their struggles to get the drug and also to get off it.

Are we right to be worried by how much we throw away? Laurie Taylor talks to Martin O’Brien author of a new book ‘A Crisis of Waste?’ and Jeff Ferrell who wrote ‘Empire of Scrounge’. Also, how do civil partnerships compare to heterosexual marriages? Carol Smart talks about her research.

When the factories close, what happens to the communities they leave behind? Laurie discusses the effects of industrial decline in Wales with Valerie Walkerdine who’s researched the impact of the closure of the steelworks in 'Steeltown’ and Jean Jenkins who’s investigated how the closure of the Burberry factory in Treorchy affected non-work life for the workers concerned.

What is the difference between German and British haute cuisine, and what do they have in common? Laurie talks to economic sociologist Christel Lane about her comparative study; food critic William Sitwell joins the discussion. And, Philosopher Michael Rosen explains the practical applications of dignity, how it forms the basis of notions like human rights.

What does the idea of home mean to us in Britain? Laurie Taylor is joined by Angela Brady, President of RIBA; housing economist Susan Smith; sociologist Esther Dermott and architectural writer Jonathan Glancey to discuss how ‘home’ has changed and how new needs are being met.

Professionals and Cowboys? UK and US military security workers. Laurie Taylor hears about new research by Paul Higate, they are joined by sociologist Anthony King. Also, 'whisky tourism' Karl Spracklen talks about the quest for the 'real' and 'authentic' in tourism.