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 and emerging as a useful tool in the quest to understand post-war Britain. The film 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.
Alongside interviews with Professors Ros Edwards and Val Gillies from the Universities of Southampton and Westminster respectively, the film features compelling interviews with the adult children of each of the women. We also hear from the author and social historian, David Kynaston, who has quoted one of the women extensively in his books on post-war Britain.
“I had tears in my eyes while watching this film about wives of sociologists who helped their husbands do fieldwork, analysis and writing but remained hidden and under recognised. All three women, whose stories this film tells, are of working-class origin. That’s how patriarchy and class system works.”
“This is brilliant – watched just now and really enjoyed it. These studies have been formative in my own work, so thank you for making these women visible.”
This film is part of the Academics Wives project and is produced by Popping Orange Communications.