Locked out in Oxford: a review

Abstract

This article explores some implications of the experience of being locked down in the city where the author lived as undergraduate and as postgraduate following anthropological fieldwork. The author returned to Oxford after early retirement and university appointments around the UK and Europe. Enforced residence for months in one dwelling and location triggered past incidents linked to place. A 21st century perspective provoked contrasts with sexist and racist bias in past regulations and legal priorities. The experience also points to differences in communications and new significance in rare encounters.