In this chapter, I provide an overview of a topic that is close to my heart. The reasons for this will quickly become apparent. Any publicly engaged social scientist will be concerned with one of the core questions in the social sciences, namely, why do sociologists research and write on particular themes if they are not personally touched, often in indirect ways, by the issues they raise? Posing the question in this way is a reminder that social scientists are simultaneously academic analysts and commentators on the one hand, and social actors on the other. This, of course, raises further issues around subjectivity and empirical scholarly analysis, with its focus on causal factors and relationships – not least of all, where does one begin and the other end?

It is with these observations in mind that I address the subject of the 2011 ‘disturbances’. I am acutely aware that sociology should be relevant and speak to an informed audience that can become part of an ongoing conversation and offer positive feedback. This chapter began life as a presentation given to my students as part of their degree programme and their comments were incorporated into an early draft. I am also aware of the need to address a wider audience. Earlier talks that I gave to the Social Science in the City™ initiative held in Bristol were on the subject of Latin American migrants in the city and the broader area of religious and sexual rights. Feedback from these audiences enhanced subsequent publications and work undertaken in public engagement with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual groups and my work with Amnesty International. It is with such public impacts in mind, and the requisite for sociology to have practical significance, that I address the theme of the 2011 ‘disturbances’.

In the second week of August 2011, I, like millions of others, switched on the television to witness that many cities and major towns in the UK (or, more precisely, in England, but interestingly not in Wales or Scotland; see Lloyd, 2011) were subject to arson attacks, looting of shop centres and other major incidents of urban unrest. To my bemusement, I watched the images of several buildings burning in my home town of Croydon, including a large furniture store that was once a local landmark.