Seminar: The Political Economy of Corporate Images: Making sense of images of work and organisations

Dr. Tim Strangleman from the University of Kent

18th November 2010
At 16:00 in Room 6.345 and afterwards in the Sociology Common Room

Abstract:

How do we make sense of corporate images of organisations and work? Clearly we are aware that officially sanctioned or commissioned photography tells a story, is controlled to some extent and has an audience, or set of audiences in mind. But it is equally true that the relationship between commissioners, artists and audience is complex and shifting. The meanings attached to photography and image shift overtime, at times becoming less political and contentious, at other more so. This paper will explore these issues through the author’s research based on the former Guinness brewery at Park Royal West London which closed in the summer of 2005 after nearly seventy years of production.

Seminar: Economies of Ignorance in Organisational Life

Dr. Linsey McGoey from Department of Sociology, University of Essex.

Date: 21st October 2010

At 16:00 in Room 6.345 (Department of Sociology) followed by wine & nibbles in the Sociology Common Room.

Abstract:
Ignorance and knowledge are often thought of as opposite phenomena: knowledge is viewed as a fundamental resource in obtaining and consolidating authority, and ignorance as a fundamental liability. Through a focus on pharmaceutical regulation, this paper contests this assumption, exploring the value of ignorance in procuring research funds, establishing expert certainty in the face of unknown futures,