Gordon Marshall (sociologist)

Gordon Marshall (born 1953) is a British sociologist known for his contributions to sociological theory, methodology, and his empirical research on social class, social capital, and citizenship. He is particularly recognized for his work on defining and measuring social class, moving beyond traditional Marxist and Weberian approaches.

Marshall received his PhD from the University of Oxford in 1980. He has held academic positions at the University of Essex and the University of Bath, among others. He is currently an Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex.

His key publications include:

• In Defence of Objectivity (1986): An argument for the importance of objectivity in social science research.

• Social Class in Modern Britain (1988, 1997, with Adam Swift and Carole Burgoyne): A detailed empirical analysis of social class in Britain, questioning the applicability of conventional class theories.

• Oxford Dictionary of Sociology (1994, 1998, 2005, 2015): A widely used and respected reference work in the field, serving as editor and contributor. This dictionary has been instrumental in standardizing sociological terminology.

Marshall's work has significantly influenced the study of social stratification and inequality. He is notable for his rigorous empirical approach and his commitment to clarifying key concepts within sociology. He also contributed to debates on the relevance of grand theory in the face of complex social realities.