Tribunal judges accused of shocking levels of ignorance and prejudice

As cynical voters scorn politics, this epic survey reminds us why its ideals still matter so much

Mary McIntosh, the leading feminist sociologist and academic, was not scared of breaking boundaries. She was looked on as being one of the leaders of the "second-wave" of the feminist movement, and was also one of the founders of the gay and lesbian movement. McIntosh fought for equal rights, and both sexual and legal recognition for all. She was instrumental in making the academic world reconsider the sociological lives of gays and lesbians.

Amelia Bullmore's funny, filthy dialogue propels three old mates through the highs and lows of friendship

Amelia Bullmore's funny, filthy dialogue propels three old mates through the highs and lows of friendship

If the festive season's enforced togetherness is proving a torment, curl up in a corner with this manifesto for the shy, sensitive loner.

The trainer quit counselling, after witnessing too much inhumanity, to find redemption with horses. Chris McGrath hears her story

A new study casts doubt on an urban legend, but the myth of the deadly candy refuses to die

The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken out against the House of Lords becoming an entirely elected chamber.

Black people in Britain suffer from higher unemployment than those in the US because of a failure to address social inequality in the labour market, according to new research.

Two-fifths of lap dancers say that customers are rude or abusive towards them

Criminologist: 'It is as if he is telling us that we should get ready for the worst, that he is capable of anything'

Professor John Rex was a leading figure in British sociology, chairing departments at various universities and founding two, at Durham and Warwick. A leading scholar in the field of race or ethnic relations in the UK, he participated in comparative and collaborative studies on the topic in Europe and elsewhere and was well-known internationally for his work in this area, and as a theorist of social conflict.

A former boss once recommended to me hiring a young man he had met at dinner. My heart sank because I knew this man to be bumptious and not that bright. My boss assured me that I was mistaken. The youth was bold, visionary and going places. "Is that what you thought?" I sighed. "No, that is what he told me," he replied.