A recent update on X (formerly Twitter) about a finished Ph D thesis has gotten people talking, not so much because of the degree itself but because of the unusual topic. Dr Ally Louks, who says she teaches at the University of Cambridge, announced that she had handed in her dissertation and passed her “viva with no corrections.” Usually, this kind of news wouldn’t make waves, but the subject of her research grabbed everyone’s attention.
A Cambridge teacher’s Ph D on “the politics of smell” sparked viral debate online. (X/@Dr Ally Louks)
(Also read: Indian student accuses Oxford University of racial bias over rejection of Ph D on Shakespeare: ‘Forcibly removed me’)
An unconventional topic
Dr Louks shared that her thesis, called “Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose,” looked into how scent plays a role in literature and its connection to politics. Her work examined how describing smells in books shapes social relations like gender roles, race issues, class divisions, and even power between species.
The opening chapter focused on how smell signals class differences, especially relating to homelessness. She drew from George Orwell’s writings and other well-known media to explain this. The summary also pointed out how she used an intersectional view to study olfactory discrimination within literature.
Check out the post here:
The internet reacts
Though Dr Louks’ study might be new ground academically, online reactions were all over the place. Thousands jumped onto her profile expressing shock or mocking what seemed like an odd research topic.
One person wrote, “I can’t believe this is an actual thesis subject. Smell’s role in social power structures? Is this for real?” Another added, “The ‘politics of smell’ sounds more like a gimmick than a legitimate field of study. Did we really need a whole Ph D on this?” Others commented things like, “I just can’t imagine spending years researching something that smells like an abstract idea with no real effect.”
(Also read: Ph D student ditches phone for 5-month expedition across China: ‘People were shocked’)
But some folks came to her defense too. One said, “I think it’s fascinating to study the overlooked aspects of literature. Smell influences human perception in subtle ways we don’t often consider,” while another commented, “It’s a creative and bold topic for a Ph D. Who’s to say what the real-world implications are until it’s explored?”
A few joked around too with lines like, “Well, this definitely stinks of a unique topic!” or “I bet her dissertation smells like a blend of creativity and controversy.”
