Thinking Allowed

Helen Charman, a Fellow at Cambridge and author of "Mother State," delves into how motherhood intertwines with political history and activism. Caitlin Killian, a sociology professor, discusses the increasing pressures on mothers and the unfair standards applied compared to fathers. They explore the evolution of motherhood, the criminalization of mothers’ actions, and advocate for rebalancing parental responsibilities. The conversation sheds light on the challenges and transformations that shape maternal identities in today's society.

Ivan Markovic, a lecturer at Durham University, explores the cultural significance of smoking in modern Britain, from its role in boosting morale during WWII to the 2007 public smoking ban. He questions whether smoking still holds a place in British culture. Meanwhile, Tricia Starks, a history professor at the University of Arkansas, discusses the paradox of the USSR being the first mass smoking society while opposing capitalist ideals. Their insights reveal fascinating historical and social dynamics shaping smoking habits in both Britain and the Soviet Union.

Fatima Rajina, a Senior Legacy in Action Research Fellow, discusses the evolving dress norms among British Bangladeshi Muslim men, particularly the thobe's role in shaping a universal Muslim identity. Teleica Kirkland, a Lecturer at the London College of Fashion, reflects on the Windrush generation's deliberate fashion choices as a means of asserting dignity in British society. Their dialogue uncovers the complexities of identity, respectability politics, and how clothing serves as both a cultural expression and a vehicle for unity amidst societal scrutiny.

Laurie Taylor talks to Vron Ware, Visiting Professor at the Gender Institute of the LSE, about the reality of living next to a huge army community in the UK. Talking to both sides of the divide, she explores the impact of the sprawling military presence on Salisbury Plain, an area of British countryside which is home to rare plants and wildlife. Is military occupation a positive asset in terms of conservation and ecology? Also, Sunaura Taylor, Assistant Professor in the Division of Society and Environment at UC Berkeley, describes environmental damage below the ground in Tucson Arizona and its ripple effects through the largely Mexican American community living above. Producer: Jayne Egerton

Dan Hancox, author of "Multitudes, How Crowds Made the Modern World," dives into how crowds shape society from Notting Hill carnival-goers to raves. He discusses the dual nature of crowds, both as chaotic forces and powerful collectives. Lisa Mueller, a political scientist, shares insights from her research on protest dynamics, revealing that cohesiveness in crowds leads to greater success. Analyzing British protests, she emphasizes the importance of unified goals in achieving meaningful change.

Nina Edwards, a freelance writer and author of "The Virtues of Underwear," explores the complex social and cultural significance of our most intimate garments. She discusses how underwear shapes identity and reflects societal norms. Shaun Cole, an Associate Professor in Fashion, dives into the history of men's underwear, examining trends like boxers versus briefs. Together, they highlight how changing attitudes towards masculinity influence these choices and how the market for men's undergarments has evolved, revealing unexpected connections to economic trends.

Brooke Harrington, a Professor of Economic Sociology at Dartmouth, dives into the murky waters of offshore finance, revealing its global repercussions and moral dilemmas. She shares her firsthand research experiences in tax havens, questioning the cost of secrecy in an unequal world. Joining her is Guido Alfani, an Economic History Professor at Bocconi University, who unravels the precarious history of the super-rich over a millennium. Together, they ponder how societal views of wealth have evolved and what that means for accountability today.

Simeon Koole, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol, explores how touch shaped social interactions in urban 19th and 20th-century Britain. He highlights how crowded spaces like Liverpool Street Station transformed our understanding of personal space. Carey Jewitt, a Professor at University College London, discusses the impact of technology on touch, envisioning a future where digital interactions could mimic physical connection. Both guests uncover the complexities of intimacy, isolation, and the evolving role of touch in our relationships.

In a riveting discussion, Jennifer Fleetwood, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, and Louise Wattis, an Assistant Professor focusing on true crime narratives, dive into our obsession with crime stories. They explore how personal accounts from criminals are reshaping the public’s understanding of crime, raising questions about the reliability of these narratives. They also examine the allure of 'hard man' biographies, particularly among men, and dissect the ethical complexities of portraying violence and masculinity in modern media.

Ben Highmore, a Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Sussex and author of "Playgrounds: The Experimental Years," discusses the revolutionary adventure playgrounds that emerged after WWII, transforming bomb sites into vibrant spaces for child creativity. He explores the influential figures behind these playgrounds and their vision for fostering autonomy and social change. Highmore also reflects on the evolution of play in today’s risk-averse society, the challenges these playgrounds face, and their lasting impact on community and child development.