Join us for a screening of the short film The Sociologist’s Wife followed by a live panel discussion on the professional lives of the ‘fairer sex’.  

The Sociologist’s Wife tells the story of three women.

All were married to eminent British sociologists at a time when the discipline was evolving as a useful tool in the quest to understand post-war Britain.

It uncovers the way in which the wives contributed to their husband’s work and looks at how those contributions have remained largely hidden – until now.

The live panel discussion that follows will be chaired by Pam Cox, MP for Colchester and includes:

Professor Ros Edwards

Ros features in the film as one of two academics conducting the research that led to the Academics Wives project – for which one of the outputs is The Sociologist’s Wife.

Ros is a Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology (SSPC) in the School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Southampton. Her research focuses on family lives and policies, on advancing qualitative, qualitative longitudinal and mixed research methods, and on learning about decolonising and Indigenous partnership research approaches.

Professor Val Gillies

Val also features in the film and works alongside Ros on the Academics’ Wives project. Val Gillies has researched and published in the area of family, inequality and marginalised children and young people.

She has produced a wide range of publications on parenting and social class, young people at risk of school exclusion, home school relations as well as qualitative research methods.

Grace Carter

Grace is the founder of The Metamorphose Group which houses a series of brands and charities that seek to have a positive impact on the world. The group aims to actively mould the next generation of female leaders and constantly pushes for a more inclusive and supportive society.

Grace is particularly knowledgeable about the legal and societal framework in which female entrepreneurs have to operate.

Catherine McDonald

Catherine is the Producer and Director of The Sociologist’s Wife. She is the founder and Director of Popping Orange Communications and has had a career in national broadcasting spanning three decades – making programmes for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

Catherine has a particular interest in producing films and podcasts that create social impact and is very passionate about the ever-changing roles, expectations and experiences of women in society.  

Together, we will debate the professional lives of women; past, present and future as well as film and production.