Santa Helpers; Christmas Tradition
Laurie Taylor presents a Thinking Allowed special on our construction of Christmas tradition. Prof Philip Hancock discusses his study into Santa helpers.
A Thinking Allowed special on our construction of Christmas tradition. What does Christmas mean to you - a visit to Santa's grotto with the little ones, the opening of presents before breakfast, a house festooned with sparkly lights and wreaths of ivy? Or is your Christmas an understated and low key affair? Perhaps you don't even recognise it for cultural or religious reasons.
Professor Philip Hancock discusses his study into the 'elite' squad of Santa helpers who dispense seasonal cheer and gifts to children in department stores up and down the country. How do they maintain their 'ho, ho hos' in the face of 500 length queues? What special challenges does this unique branch of interactive service work present? Also, Professor Jennifer Mason talks about her research into how people create the Christmas experience, drawing on the rituals of their childhoods and negotiating conflicting traditions. The writer, Antony Lerman, joins the discussion.
Producer: Jayne Egerton.
Last on
More episodes
Philip Hancock
Professor of Work听and Organisation at the University of Essex Business School
銆赌
銆赌
Find out more about Dr
銆赌銆赌
Abstract:
Work Employment听and Society April 15, 2013
doi: 10.1177/0950017012461836
Jennifer Mason
Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of the Morgan Centre for Study of Relationships and Personal Life, University of Manchester
銆赌
銆赌
Find out more about
銆赌銆赌
Abstract:
Jennifer Mason, Stewart Muir
The Sociological Review
Volume 61, Issue 3, pages 607鈥�629, August 2013
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-954X.2012.02138.x
Antony Lerman
Writer and former Director of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research
銆赌
銆赌
Find out more about
銆赌銆赌
Ethnography Award
Thank you for all your entries.
听
These听are now being reviewed by the judges for the Award, Professor Dick Hobbs, Professor Henrietta Moore, Dr Louise Westmarland, Professor Bev Skeggs. The Chair is Professor Laurie Taylor. (Please do not contact any judges directly).
听
The judges will be looking for work which displays flair, originality and clarity, alongside sound methodology. The work should make a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant area of research.
听
The panel of judges will select six finalists, and from that shortlist the judges will select an overall winner who will be awarded a prize of 拢1000.
听
The finalists will be contacted by telephone early spring of 2014 and the winner of the Award will be announced at the .
听
Please see the for all the rules.
Broadcast
- Christmas Day 2013 16:00成人快手 Radio 4
Explore further with The Open University
成人快手 Thinking Allowed is produced in partnership with The Open University
Download this programme
Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.
Podcast
-
![]()
Thinking Allowed
New research on how society works
