THE friends and former pupils of an internationally renowned researcher have paid tribute to him following his death.
Ken Plummer, an emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Essex, published dozens of books and more than 150 articles helping to shape the study of sociology.
Mr Plummer, who lived in Wivenhoe with his partner, Ev Longland, for more than 40 years, took a keen interest in helping towards creating a better social world where there is less suffering.
His research covered life stories, narratives, symbolic interactionism, humanism, rights, intimacies, global inequalities and more.
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The expert said his approach was “that of a critical humanist”.
Head of the department of sociology, Professor Pamela Cox, said: “We are extremely saddened to share the news of the death of Ken Plummer.
“Ken was a tour de force - an inspiring teacher, writer, supervisor, mentor and friend.
“He taught in our department for over thirty years and pioneered the sociological study of deviance, sexualities, intimacy, citizenship and much more.
“Ken took early retirement in 2005 following a serious illness but continued to publish and present in the UK and around the world.
“He will be sorely missed by so many people. We will be sharing ways to mark and celebrate Ken’s life in the coming days.”
Mr Plummer arrived at the university in January 1975 to teach social psychology and the sociology of deviance.
The following year he also started a long-standing link with the department of sociology at the University of California at Santa Barbara where he also taught for many years.
During his retirement he continued to write at a prolific rate and maintained close links with academic colleagues and students.
Professor Sasha Roseneil, of the University of Sussex, said Mr Plummer was “a generous interlocuter and a truly wonderful and deeply humane person”.
Gregg Blachford, a friend of the professor, added: “I will miss Ken so much. My heart goes out to the wonderfully supportive and loving Everard, Ken’s ‘bestest’ friend.
“I watched how their love grew quickly and intensely and it warmed my heart. RIP, Ken.”
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