Carol is a sociologist of work with a research interest in post-industrial communities, and gender and class related social deprivation. She is known for her work on the British miners’ strike of 1984-5, its aftermath and the distinctiveness of the gendered experience of that dispute.

She has been at the forefront of pedagogic innovation, public sociology, and publishing in the subdiscipline of the sociologist of work for more than 20 years.  In 2014 she was recognised for her innovative approach to teaching and learning in sociology when she was awarded BSA/HEA annual Award for Teaching Excellence

Carol is a founding member of Critical Labour Studies (CLS).  CLS is a network of academics, researchers and activists and a set of principles and practices which relate to the co-production of research, public engagement, learning, dissemination and pedagogic innovation.   CLS emerged in response to the importance of a public sociology which engages with non-academic groups as co-producers of research and as learners. CLS is now an international network of teachers, academics, researchers, trade unionists and social and political activists which has over 350 members across 15 countries.