New Books in Critical Theory
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 15min
Angel Daniel Matos, "The Reparative Impulse of Queer Young Adult Literature" (Routledge, 2024)
Angel Daniel Matos, an assistant professor specializing in gender, sexuality, and women's studies, brings his insights on queer young adult literature. He explores the reparative impulses in these narratives, emphasizing their healing power for LGBTQ+ youth. The conversation covers the tension between sad and happy narratives, advocating for authentic emotional representation. Matos introduces the concept of reparative reading, urging readers to engage generously with texts and recognize the complexities within queer identities, ultimately redefining interpretations in a broader cultural context.
Nov 1, 2024 • 28min
Ghosts In Our Fields
Abhishek Avtans, a linguistics expert from Leiden University, introduces the haunting figure of the Churail from South Asian folklore. Angelina Eimannsberger, a PhD candidate, explores the reader as a ghostly presence in literary theory. Travis Chi Wing Lau discusses Mad Studies, revealing connections between disability and academia. Lastly, Mackenzie Cooley delves into the spectral significance of the Scientific Revolution. Together, they uncover eerie reflections on cultural beliefs and the evolving role of readers in literature.
Oct 30, 2024 • 37min
Anuradha Sajjanhar, "The New Experts: Populist Elites and Technocratic Promises in Modi's India" (Cambridge UP, 2024)
Anuradha Sajjanhar, a Lecturer in Politics & Public Policy at the University of East Anglia, dives into the intersection of technocracy and populism in the context of Modi's India. She explores how expert knowledge is leveraged to bolster populist agendas, transforming India's political landscape. The dialogue addresses the consequences of this blend on democracy and governance and discusses the role of think tanks in shaping policy. Sajjanhar also examines the shift in political influence and the implications of AI on decision-making and expertise in policymaking.
Oct 30, 2024 • 31min
Lennard J. Davis, "Poor Things: How Those with Money Depict Those Without It" (Duke UP, 2024)
Lennard J. Davis, a Professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago and expert in disability studies, dives into the concept of 'poornography'—the portrayal of poverty by those who have never lived it. He critiques canonical authors like Dickens for their limited and harmful representations. Davis advocates for 'transclass' writers to share genuine experiences of poverty, arguing this approach can dismantle stereotypes. He also discusses the importance of humility in literature and the critical need to honor the voices of those actually living in these conditions.
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 25min
Michael Hardt, "The Subversive Seventies" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Michael Hardt, a Professor of literature and political theory at Duke University and co-author of the Empire trilogy, delves into the revolutionary movements of the 1970s. He challenges misconceptions about these movements, arguing they laid groundwork for today’s activism. Hardt emphasizes the interconnectedness of LGBTQI, labor rights, and anti-capitalism movements. He also explores participatory democracy through the Kwangju Community, critiques traditional views on labor struggles, and highlights the importance of intersectionality in social justice movements.
Oct 27, 2024 • 40min
Kostas Kampourakis, "Ancestry Reimagined: Dismantling the Myth of Genetic Ethnicities" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Kostas Kampourakis, a science educator and author at the University of Geneva, dives into the myths surrounding genetic ancestry in his latest book. He discusses how ancestry testing can create misleading notions of identity, often conflating genetics with ethnicity. Kampourakis unpacks the social constructs of race and the flawed science behind early anthropological methods. He emphasizes that while DNA reveals connections, it doesn't define one's identity, advocating for a broader understanding of ancestry that values cultural and historical context.
Oct 27, 2024 • 1h 20min
Andrew deWaard, "Derivative Media: How Wall Street Devours Culture" (U California Press, 2024)
Andrew deWaard, Assistant Professor of Media and Popular Culture at UC San Diego, dives into how Wall Street's financial interests are reshaping popular culture. He argues that the surge in derivative media—like reboots and franchises—stems not from audience demand but from corporate greed. DeWaard explores the detrimental effects of financialization on creativity and storytelling, critiquing the dominance of licensing and the prioritization of recognizable properties over original content. He highlights the cultural consequences of viewing art as mere financial assets in today's media landscape.
Oct 25, 2024 • 37min
Omer Aijazi, "Atmospheric Violence: Disaster and Repair in Kashmir" (U Pennsylvania Press, 2024)
Omer Aijazi, an assistant professor at the University of Manchester and author of "Atmospheric Violence: Disaster and Repair in Kashmir," explores the complex realities of life amid environmental disasters and militarized conflict in Kashmir. He discusses 'atmospheric violence,' blending stunning landscapes with the daily violence faced by communities. Aijazi shares powerful personal narratives, highlighting resilience, community connections, and innovative projects like a cookbook that celebrate Kashmir's rich cultural heritage despite ongoing adversity.
Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
Matilde Masso, "Contested Money: Towards a New Social Contract" (Routledge, 2023)
Matilde Massó, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of A Coruña, delves into the fascinating world of money and its transformations. She discusses how technological advancements, particularly in digital currencies, are reshaping economic models and social contracts. Massó critiques the role of cryptocurrencies, highlights financialization's impact, and explores innovative monetary systems designed to address societal challenges like aging populations. This conversation opens a compelling debate on how a new understanding of money can enhance social welfare.
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 10min
Deborah Valenze, "The Invention of Scarcity: Malthus and the Margins of History" (Yale UP, 2023)
Deborah Valenze, Ann Whitney Olin Professor at Barnard College, presents a radical reinterpretation of Thomas Malthus and his theories on scarcity. She uncovers Malthus's narrow views on food production and how they contributed to colonial agricultural models. Valenze explores the overlooked subsistence practices like hunting and gardening, reshaping our understanding of human livelihoods. Additionally, she critiques the biases in historical narratives regarding indigenous cultures and discusses the cultural significance of bread in societal hierarchies.
