Sociology podcasts

This episode examines the history of genetics and the Genetics Society’s relationship with the eugenics movement. The discussion draws on an article investigating how ideas about heredity became entangled with the discredited programme of applying selective breeding to human populations. It invites listeners to consider the scientific community’s own history and the responsibilities attached to genetic research.

Hosted by Mike Pointer

This Nature Podcast explores how anonymized banking records can reveal patterns of financial abuse and inform support for victim-survivors. A second segment examines how opposing forces within Earth’s core can change the planet’s rotation and the length of a day. Research highlights cover Mercury’s contraction and cognitive resilience in predicting Alzheimer’s dementia.

Science writer Matt Kaplan discusses researchers whose ideas met institutional resistance, including Ignaz Semmelweis and Katalin Karikó. Drawing on his book I Told You So!, he considers how scientific incentives and organizational structures shape acceptance of new findings, and what reforms might better support high-risk research.

Hosted by Marty Martin, Cameron Ghalambor

Jo Røislien discusses research on communicating expert information and lessons from public communication during the pandemic. Conversation in Norwegian.

Carl Henrik Knutsen discusses democratic institutions and how Norway might strengthen their resilience against authoritarian pressures. Conversation in Norwegian.

Trine Skei Grande discusses how political decisions are made in Norway and her experience of parliamentary, ministerial and party leadership. Conversation in Norwegian.

Gaute Einevoll reflects on scientific practice, trust in research and the relationship between researchers and society. Solo episode in Norwegian.

Hilde Østby discusses loneliness, its effects on wellbeing and research into why persistent social isolation occurs. Conversation in Norwegian.

Anders Giæver discusses newspaper journalism, the selection of stories and the work involved in presenting reliable accounts of events. Conversation in Norwegian.

Jonathan Parr discusses becoming a professional footballer and his experiences playing in England and for Norway. Conversation in Norwegian.

Thomas Hylland Eriksen discusses broad accounts of human history and questions conventional narratives about the development of complex societies. Conversation in Norwegian.

Ingebrigt Steen Jensen continues the discussion of teamwork through the successes and setbacks of Stabæk football. Second conversation in Norwegian.

Ingebrigt Steen Jensen discusses cooperation, communication and collective achievement, drawing on experiences in football and organizational life. First conversation in Norwegian.