Celebration in honour of Professor Berry Mayall

Professor Berry Mayall was a pioneer of the sociology of childhood, and her work has been vital in advancing our understanding of children’s position in society and recognising their contributions.

A celebration was held in-person and online on 4 April 2023 in the Jeremy Bentham Room, University College London, to reflect on how Professor Mayall has influenced work in the social studies of childhood.

The event was organised around short presentations from international scholars, followed by interactive discussions on three main themes: 

1. History of childhood
2. Sociology of children's rights
3. Health intergenerational relations

Professor Priscilla Alderson compiled all presentations and edited this report. The in-person and online event schedule included: 

Schedule

11:00am - 12:45pm: Welcome and introduction

• Kirrily Pells (Chair)
• Ann Oakley

Discussion on the History of Childhood

• Ginny Morrow
• Deniz Arzuk

Sociology of Children's Rights and Health

• Kay Tisdall
• Natália Fernandes
• Manuel Jacinto Sarmento
• Priscilla Alderson
• Rosa Mendizabal
• Sonja Olin Lauritzen
• Geraldine Brady

12:45pm: Lunch break

1:30pm - 2:30pm: Intergenerational Relations and discussion

• Ginny Morrow (Chair)
• Vicky Johnson
• Cath Larkins
• Kirrily Pells

2:30pm: Tea/coffee and cakes for in-person attendees

Please note that this is a past event.

Related links

• In memory: Professor Berry Mayall (1936-2021)
• Sociology of Childhood and Children's Rights MA
• Thomas Coram Research Unit
• Social Science Research Unit
• Social Research Institute