BSA Philip Abrams Memorial Prize

About the Prize

The BSA Philip Abrams Memorial Prize is for the best first and sole-authored book within the discipline of Sociology.

It was established in honour of the memory of Professor Philip Abrams whose work contributed substantially to sociology and social policy research in Britain.  He is remembered for the encouragement and assistance he provided to many young sociologists at the start of their careers.

In recognition of his commitment to sociology as a discipline, the British Sociological Association established this prize to stimulate new ideas and fresh research in sociology by encouraging new British authors.

2026 Shortlisted Nominees

We are delighted to announce this year's shortlisted nominees:

• Sophie Bishop - Influencer Creep: How Optimisation, Authenticity and Self-Branding Transform Creative Culture (University of California Press)
• Ryan Davey - The Personal Life of Debt: Coercion, Subjectivity and Inequality in Britain (Bristol University Press)
• Matthew Mahoudi - Migrants in the Digital Periphery: New Urban Frontiers of Control (University of California Press)

The 2026 PAM Prize winner will be announced at the BSA Annual Conference.

View full list of 2026 Nominees.

Take a look at previous winners in the Winners Archive.