New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Sep 16, 2024 • 36min

Karl Marx, "Capital: Critique of Political Economy, Volume 1" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Karl Marx, the revolutionary philosopher and economist, delves into his groundbreaking work, "Capital: Critique of Political Economy, Volume 1." He discusses the relentless drive for value in our global economic system and the resulting struggle between owners and workers. The conversation highlights the challenges of translating his complex ideas for contemporary audiences while making them relatable. Marx's insights into capitalism's roots in colonization and exploitation remain strikingly relevant today, revealing the history behind our financial systems.
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Sep 11, 2024 • 46min

Melissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, dives into her book, exploring the experiences of low-income and first-generation college students at elite universities. She highlights the complexities of social mobility, detailing how these students often feel alienated and face unique challenges compared to their more privileged peers. The discussion critiques existing support systems and emphasizes the need for universities to reimagine their approaches, ensuring that non-traditional students receive the guidance they truly require.
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Sep 11, 2024 • 27min

Decolonial Muslim Political Activism and Thought in Britain

Yahya Birt, an expert in decolonial Muslim political activism and thought in Britain, delves into the evolution of activism from the 1960s to the 1990s. He highlights the critical distinctions between decoloniality and decolonization, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary struggles. Birt traces the historical roots of Muslim political thought and how past anti-colonial movements shape today's activism. He also examines influential figures like Mushir Qidwai and the complex dynamics introduced by the Iranian Revolution, enriching discussions on identity and governance.
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16 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 39min

Are We Experiencing a Crisis of Culture?

Olivier Roy, a professor of social and political sciences at the European University Institute in Florence and author of 'The Crisis of Culture,' explores the cultural crisis driven by neoliberal globalization. He discusses how identity politics displaces traditional social norms, leading to a disconnect in societal living. Roy argues that the fragmentation of cultures complicates social bonds, and the legacy of 1960s sexuality influences cultural decay. He calls for a reconstruction of social ties to address the challenges of modern individualism and multiculturalism.
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Sep 10, 2024 • 40min

Josh Cowen, "The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers" (Harvard Education Press, 2024)

Josh Cowen, an expert on educational policy and author of "The Privateers," discusses the controversial role of school vouchers and their negative impact on educational outcomes. He reveals how these programs, initially linked to conservative economic strategies, have fueled a culture war over education. Cowen critiques the motivations behind the voucher movement, highlighting the connections to billionaire influence and the emphasis on ideological goals rather than student success. He also explores the implications of vouchers for public education and societal equality.
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Sep 9, 2024 • 57min

Red Chidgey and Joanne Garde-Hansen, "Museums, Archives and Protest Memory" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024)

Red Chidgey, an expert in museums and archives, teams up with Joanne Garde-Hansen, a scholar of culture and social movements, to explore 'protest memory.' They discuss how museums and archives shape public awareness of protests, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. They highlight museums as evolving activist spaces, engaging in social justice movements and ethical dilemmas in curating protest narratives. The conversation also delves into innovative practices for preserving activist histories, stressing the role of culture and memory in fostering social change.
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Sep 7, 2024 • 58min

Jess Whatcott, "Menace to the Future: A Disability and Queer History of Carceral Eugenics" (Duke UP, 2024)

Jess Whatcott, an author exploring the ties between disability institutions and eugenics in the US, discusses a haunting history of carceral eugenics. They reveal how early 20th-century eugenic ideologies justified forced sterilizations and coercive treatments, still resonating in today’s incarceration practices. Whatcott emphasizes the genealogy of resistance from disabled communities and the need to challenge these oppressive systems. The podcast dives into the intersection of queerness and disability, analyzing how societal categorizations continue to stigmatize marginalized groups.
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Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 5min

Oren Kroll-Zeldin, "Unsettled: American Jews and the Movement for Justice in Palestine" (NYU Press, 2024)

Oren Kroll-Zeldin, author and scholar, delves into the experiences of young Jewish Americans involved in the Palestine solidarity movement. He discusses how these activists challenge mainstream pro-Israel attitudes by framing their views as rooted in Jewish values. Key topics include the strategies of targeting Jewish institutions, co-resistance efforts in Palestine, and the significance of the BDS movement. The conversation highlights a transformative shift in Jewish identity and activism, suggesting a hopeful direction for future discourse on justice and equality.
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Sep 4, 2024 • 55min

David H. Price, "The American Surveillance State: How the US Spies on Dissent" (Pluto Press, 2022)

David H. Price, a Professor of Anthropology, delves into the intricate relationship between the American surveillance state and dissent. He uncovers how the FBI has historically targeted activists while aligning with capitalist interests. The conversation highlights the chilling effects of the post-9/11 era, where surveillance has become normalized under the guise of safety. Price critiques the disproportionate monitoring of leftist movements compared to right-wing groups, urging a reevaluation of civil liberties and the need for activism against this pervasive intrusion.
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Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 17min

Andy Clarno et al., "Imperial Policing: Weaponized Data in Carceral Chicago" (U Minnesota Press, 2024)

In this discussion, guest Andy Clarno, an author focused on racialized poverty and policing in urban environments, sheds light on his book about policing in Chicago. He explores how weaponized data harms marginalized communities, particularly Black, Latinx, and Muslim populations. Clarno critiques the perception of objectivity in law enforcement and discusses the necessity of abolitionist responses to oppressive practices. The conversation highlights community-driven research efforts aimed at dismantling the racialized policing apparatus and advocates for compassionate resistance to systemic injustices.

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