Frank Furedi

Sociologist and social commentator, author, University of Kent, Canterbury England

Frank Furedi is a sociologist and social commentator. Formerly professor of sociology at the University of Kent in Canterbury, he has written numerous books, the latest of which is How Fear Works (2018). Heis currently carrying out research for a study of the history of the idea and impact of Identity Crisis,

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Written by Frank Furedi

A child in a red outfit crouching with a wicker basket on their head, next to a wall and small staircase in a dimly lit room.

essayChildhood and adolescence

Fearing fear itself

Once parents felt children needed a little fear to grow up well. Today they are desperately protective. What went wrong?

Frank Furedi

Painting of an outdoor bookshop with people in 18th-century clothing reading and conversing, set in a European town.

essayStories and literature

Bookish fools

The book has always been a sign of status and refinement; a declaration of self-worth – even for those who hate to read

Frank Furedi

Black and white photo of five children in a classroom, with one boy looking at the camera, others engaged in conversation and writing.

essayHistory of ideas

The ages of distraction

Busy, distracted, inattentive? Everybody has been since at least 1710 and here are the philosophers to prove it

Frank Furedi

Black and white photo of an elderly man wearing a beret reading “Don Quijote de la Mancha” with a 1971 calendar on the wall behind him.

essayHistory

Books are dangerous

Contagion, poison and trigger. The idea that books are dangerous has a long history, and holds a kernel of truth

Frank Furedi