Famous Leeds sociologist Zygmunt Bauman dies at age 91

Professor Zygmunt Bauman, one of the most renowned and prolific figures within the field of sociology has died at the age of 91. He taught at the University of Leeds between 1972 and 1990 before being made an Emeritus Professor in 2004.

Bauman rose to prominence with an approach to sociology that transcended conventional disciplinary boundaries, embracing social and political theory, philosophy, ethics, media/communications studies, cultural studies, psychology and theology.

He published more than fifty books and well over one hundred articles on wide-ranging themes which included globalisation, modernity, postmodernity, consumerism and morality. He was awarded the European Amalfi Prize for Sociology (1992), the Theodor W Adorno Award (1998) and the Prince of Asturias Award (2010).

His theories also came to influence the anti-globalisation movement. His focus on the marginalised and disempowered within society earned him a strong following among young people in Spain and Italy who have seen their life chances prospects diminish as a consequence of economic recession.

“The key thing was that Bauman did not talk at or down to his audience — when he was talking he was listening, when he was teaching he was learning. His books and seminars were places where we could come together and explore together how to be human,” Keith Tester, co-author of “Conversations with Zygmunt Bauman” and a former student of Bauman’s, told The Associated Press on Monday.

Born in 1925 in Poland to a non-practicing Jewish family, Bauman fled the Nazis along with his family to the Soviet Union and served in the Polish division of the Red Army during the war before being awarded the Military Cross of Valour in 1945. He once quipped ironically, that he owed both his education and his marriage to the war. His personal insights into the Holocaust came from his beloved wife Janina, who had survived the war in hiding, losing most of her family.

Anti-Semitism impeded Bauman’s academic progress and led to his discharge from the Army in 1954. These factors, when added to his disillusionment with communism in Poland, if not with communism itself, formed his decision to leave Poland in 1968. His first destination was Israel but he soon moved on to become the chair of sociology at Leeds in 1972.

By that point, Bauman had developed an international reputation, and could have chosen an eminent academic position anywhere, but Leeds suited him. It offered a stable place to think, write and teach as he wished with close colleagues, devoted family and friends, and able students.

In 2010 the University of Leeds launched the Bauman Institute in tribute to the late professor. Its work provides a “critical extension of the insights provided by Bauman’s sociology.” The Leeds library is in the process of developing a unique Zygmunt Bauman archive.

Bauman passed away at his home in Roundhay, Leeds, surrounded by his family and loved ones.