In Episode 5 we’re talking about the contribution that wives have made to the discipline of sociology in the past and how this has helped to shape the sociology of the present.

We’re joined by Lebogang Mokwena, Lecturer in the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Cape Town, and John Goodwin, Professor of Sociology and Sociological Practice at the University of Leicester.

Lebogang’s work intersects cultural and historical sociology, and as well as work on the cultural, economic and global histories of objects, she has studied the early twentieth century career of the sociologist Sol Plaatje.

John has a broad interest in sociology as a craft and skill, and, of particular relevance to this discussion, has researched the sociologies of Pearl Jephcott and C. Wright Mills.

Episode credits

Guests: Lebogang Mokwena and John Godwin
Hosts: Ros Edwards and Val Gillies
Producer: Chris Garrington
Music: The Beat of Nature, Olexy
Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover

Episode Resources

• “Searching for pearls: ‘doing biographical research on Pearl Jephcott” – John Goodwin
• “Pearl Jephcott: The legacy of a forgotten sociological research pioneer” – John Goodwin and Henrietta O’Connor
• Married Women Working – Pearl Jephcott
• White Collar: The American Middle Classes – C. Wright Mills
• Lover of His People: A biography of Sol Plaatje – Seetsele Modiri Molema
• Sol T. Plaatje: A Life in Letters – Brian Willan and Sabata-mpho Mokae
• Sol Plaatje: A life of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje 1876-1932 – Brian Willan

Find out more about Thanks for Typing at The Sociological Review.