Roger Penn, an inquisitive sociologist who liked to challenge convention, has died aged 77. His work as a professor of economic sociology at Lancaster University and later Queen's University Belfast focused on empirical research.
Early Life and Education
Born in Lytham, Lancashire, to Olga (nee Johnson) and Sidney Penn, a mechanical engineer at the Atomic Energy Authority, Roger grew up in a family that valued education. He attended Stratton grammar school in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, before moving on to Jesus College, Cambridge, where he studied history and later social and political sciences, graduating in 1972.
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His academic journey continued with a Fulbright scholarship, earning an MA in sociology from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1973. He later completed a PhD in sociology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, which was published as Skilled Workers in the Class Structure (1985).
Academic Career and Research
Roger joined Lancaster University in 1977, where he rose to become a professor in economic sociology and statistics. He moved to Queen's University Belfast in 2012 and retired as emeritus professor in 2016. His research was heavily influenced by neo-Ricardian economics, Weberian sociology, and the Annales school in France.
He was involved in several major research collaborations, including the Economic and Social Research Council's social change and economic life initiative (1985-88). His work in this consortium used Rochdale as a case study—a location he returned to throughout his career, exploring the decline of the textile industry and its effects on the local community.
Key Research Contributions
| Research Focus | Key Findings | Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled workers' class structure | Challenged traditional Marxist views on class | Empirical surveys and historical analysis |
| Textile industry decline in Rochdale | Documented social and economic impact | Longitudinal community study |
| Social change and economic life | Highlighted regional variations in employment | Comparative case studies |
Legacy and Influence
Roger's insistence on empirical rigor and his willingness to challenge established theories left a lasting impact on sociology. His colleagues remembered him as a dedicated mentor and a passionate researcher.
- Authored the influential book Skilled Workers in the Class Structure
- Led major ESRC-funded research initiatives
- Mentored numerous PhD students at Lancaster and Belfast
- Brought an interdisciplinary approach to economic sociology
His work remains a reference point for scholars studying class, work, and industrial change. Roger is survived by his family and a wide circle of friends and colleagues.
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