Pub Psychic Nights
Caroline Starkey, Josh Bullock, Adam Powell
Implicit Religion September 8, 2025 DOI: 10.1558/imre.33028 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Working-class women attending pub psychic nights in Britain |
| Keywords | Psychic Existentialism Grief Participant observation Class philosophy Qualitative research Aesthetics Qualitative property |
| Key findings | Pub psychic nights help working-class women deal with grief and loss, address existential questions, and transform male-dominated pub spaces into female-led spiritual hubs. |
Abstract
This article explores pub psychic nights in Britain. The audience of these events are predominantly working- class women who gather in local pubs and social clubs to participate in spirit communication led by a medium and/or psychic. Drawing on qualitative data from 16 interviews and four participant observations we examine the social and spiritual significance of these events for the audience, arguing that they have a profound impact in helping people deal with grief and loss, extending far beyond mere entertainment. We further argue that pub psychic nights create an opportunity to address existential questions and seek comfort outside of traditional religious institutions. We demonstrate how these nights blur the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary and transform historically male-dominated pub spaces into local hubs of female- led spirituality. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary spiritual practices and their significance for marginalized communities.