Ray Pahl
Professor Ray Pahl has been awarded one of the first ever lifetime achievement awards from the British Sociological Association for his pioneering work in sociology.
The award recognises Professor Pahl’s huge contribution to the study of sociology in the United Kingdom, which spans more than four decades.
Professor Pahl’s association with the University of Essex began in the 1980s when he was part of the team that set up the British Household Panel Study.
The lifetime achievement award, which was inaugurated this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the BSA, honours outstanding achievements in British sociology during a career. Professor Pahl is one of the first recipients of the award.
Throughout his career Professor Pahl has been committed to developing public engagement with sociology and ensuring the value of sociological research is understood by decision makers. This includes working with government planners, writing for and lecturing to wider professional audiences and editing the Penguin Sociology series
Heather Laurie, Director of ISER, said:
‘Ray Pahl’s contribution to sociological research and to ISER is enormous. He conducted ground breaking research in his early career on urban sociology and the division of labour and his creativity has continued undimmed with his more recent work on friendship. Ray is a wonderful colleague and we congratulate him on being recognised by his peers in this way’.
President of the BSA, Professor John Brewer, said:
“Ray has served British sociology in several ways over a long and illustrious career. From his pioneering research on urban sociology, families, divisions of labour and friendship, to his contribution to capacity building in British sociology and through his work for the Association and the University Grants Committee. It is an honour to present Ray with this award.”