Gender, Class and Sociology today: Bev Skeggs, Jo Littler and Michaela Benson

In the first of the Sociological Review Foundation’s new Conversations series, sociologists Bev Skeggs and Jo Littler will take a fresh and frank look at gender and class in the 21^st century – and what insights sociology still has to offer.

“We’re delighted to launch this online series with an evening with two of the leading feminist scholars working in the interdisciplinary space between sociology, cultural studies and media studies. Bev and Jo will be talking about two issues that remain as salient and timely today as they have ever been – class and gender,” said Michaela Benson, who will chair the event.

“Their insights into how gender and class function in everything from popular culture, reality TV and social media through to care and myths of social mobility, as well as their understanding of women’s lived experiences, is second to none. I’m looking forward to the depth that Jo and Bev will bring to these topics, and their knowledge and deep theoretical insights. You won’t want to miss this conversation.”

Gender, Class and Sociology Today will take place in the week following International Women’s Day 2025, and ahead of the publication of a Special Section in The Sociological Review journal focusing on Professor Skeggs’ landmark book Formations of Class and Gender.

About the speakers

Bev Skeggs is professor emerita at Lancaster University and one of the world’s foremost feminist sociologists. Formerly editor-in-chief of The Sociological Review journal and chief executive of the Sociological Review Foundation, she has managed numerous ground-breaking research projects on inequality and injustice, using innovative research methods. Professor Skeggs was also the founder of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her landmark book Formations of Class and Gender (1997) will be the focus of a Special Section of The Sociological Review journal in early 2025.

Jo Littler is Professor of Cultural, Media and Social Analysis at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her research focuses on changing cultures of inequality across media and society. Professor Littler is author of Against Meritocracy: Culture, Power and Myths of Mobility (2018) Left Feminisms: Conversations on the Personal and Political (2023) and co-author of The Care Manifesto: The Politics of Interdependence (2020). She is co-editor of the European Journal of Cultural Studies and a member of the editorial collective of Soundings: A Journal of Politics and Culture.

Michaela Benson is Professor in Public Sociology at Lancaster University and chief executive of the Sociological Review Foundation. As part of her research focus on Brexit, migration and citizenship, she is co-lead of the acclaimed Economic and Social Research Council-funded project Rebordering, Britain and Britons After Brexit (MIGZEN), and is a regular contributor to media outlets including the BBC, The Telegraph and The Conversation. Professor Benson leads the Sociological Review Foundation’s podcast series Uncommon Sense, and is presenter of the podcasts Who do we think we are? (2021–24) and Brexit Brits Abroad (2017–20).

Registration

Open to all, this 90-minute online event is free to attend, with participants invited to consider supporting the work of the Sociological Review Foundation via a donation. Spaces are limited: register now to secure a place.

You will receive a zoom link and information on how to join after you have registered and a reminder email prior to the event. 
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If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Galway - events@thesociologicalreview.com.