Michael Peter Biggs

Michael Peter Biggs is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Fellow of St Cross College at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on collective protest dynamics, self-inflicted suffering as protest, and historical sociology. He holds a B.A. (Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington and a Ph.D. from Harvard University.

Education:

• B.A. (Hons), Victoria University of Wellington
• Ph.D., Harvard University

Research Interests:

Biggs examines the volatility of collective protest, such as strike waves (e.g., 1886 U.S.), sit-ins (1960 U.S. South), and riots (2011 London). He also studies self-inflicted suffering tactics like hunger strikes and immolation, analyzing their communicative and strategic roles. His work intersects with political sociology, historical analysis, and spatial patterns of social action.

Key Publications:

Recent works include critiques of transgender-related policies (e.g., puberty blockers, gender identity data), analyses of ethnic violence in Gujarat (2002), and re-examinations of 1960s Civil Rights protest impacts. His theoretical contributions include 'self-fulfilling prophecies' in sociological dynamics.

Teaching:

Biggs teaches sociological theory, political sociology, and social movements. Courses emphasize theoretical frameworks like rational choice, cultural evolution, and systemic oppression.

Advising:

He has mentored over 15 doctoral students, many now leading academics. Ongoing projects explore anti-immigrant riots, transnational mobilization, and refugee crises.

Labs/Teams:

Biggs collaborates on datasets like the London 2011 riot analysis and the 1960s U.S. sit-in project. His work integrates historical archives, census data, and media records to map protest patterns and societal impacts.