New Books in Critical Theory

David Lay Williams is a political theorist focused on economic inequality and its historical significance in political thought. In this engaging discussion, he explores how thinkers from Plato to Marx addressed the dangers of wealth concentration and its impact on social stability. Williams emphasizes the moral implications of economic disparities, connecting philosophical insights to contemporary issues. He also reinterprets Adam Smith's views on meritocracy and reveals the evolving understanding of wealth's societal effects, making a strong case for addressing inequality today.

Dr. Dionne Powell, a contributor to the documentary 'Black Psychoanalysts Speak' and an expert in race and psychoanalysis, joins the conversation. She discusses how psychoanalytic defense mechanisms contribute to racism in America, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in therapeutic settings. The conversation also explores the historical traumas faced by the black community and advocates for open dialogue to address uncomfortable truths. Dr. Powell challenges listeners to confront denial and engage in discussions about race to foster understanding and healing.

Karyne E. Messina, a psychoanalyst and author, discusses her impactful new book, which serves as a guide to enhancing public understanding of democracy. She highlights a 45-day action plan designed to empower individuals against autocracy. The conversation delves into the psychological dynamics of political engagement, emphasizing the significance of grassroots movements and civic participation. Messina examines the dual role of community in resisting autocratic influence, while offering practical strategies for fostering democratic values and collective action.

Angel, a Black tenth-grader at a New York City public school, self-identifies as a nerd and likes to learn. But she’s troubled that her history classes leave out events like the genocide and dispossession of Indigenous people in the Americas, presenting a sugar-coated image of the United States that is at odds with her everyday experience. “The history I learned in school is simpler,” she says. “The world I live in is a lot more complex.” Angel, like every student interviewed in Discipline Problems: How Students of Color Trouble Whiteness in Schools (U Pennsylvania Press, 2024), has been identified by teachers as a “troublemaker,” a student whose behavior disrupts classroom norms and interferes with instruction. But her critiques of the curriculum she’s taught speak to her curiosity and insight, crucial foundations for understanding history. Like many students who have been marginalized by systemic racism in American schools, she exposes the shortcomings of her classrooms’ academic environments by challenging both the content and the methods of her education. All too often, these challenges are framed as “troublemaking,” and the students are disciplined for “acting out” instead of being rewarded for their intellectual engagement. Tadashi Dozono, a professor of education and former high school social studies teacher, takes seriously the often-overlooked critiques that students of color who get labeled as troublemakers direct toward their high school history curriculum. He reinterprets “troublemaking,” usually cast as a behavioral deficit, as an intellectual asset and form of reasoning that challenges the “disciplining reason” of classrooms where whiteness is valued over the histories and knowledge of people of color. Dozono shows how what are traditionally framed as discipline problems can be seen through a different lens as responses to educational practices that marginalize non-white students. Discipline Problems reveals how students of color seek out alternate avenues for understanding their world and imagines a pedagogy that champions the curiosity, intellect, and knowledge of marginalized learners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

What is reading? In What Readers Do: Aesthetic and Moral Practices of a Post-Digital Age (Bloomsbury, 2024) Beth Driscoll, an Associate Professor in Publishing, Communications and Arts Management at the University of Melbourne, explores this question by situating reading in a variety of contemporary social contexts. The book’s analysis engages with a range of academic fields to understand the study of reading, and offers a unique theoretical framework to understand the practices and meanings associated with reading in a variety of settings. The book also draws on a range of online and physical world case studies, from the aesthetics of ‘bookstagram’ through to behaviours and networks at book groups and literary festivals. The book is an essential read for a huge range of academics from the social sciences and humanities, as well as for anyone interested in reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Susan Greenhalgh, an expert in corporate science and public health, delves into the soda industry's intricate strategies to combat the obesity crisis. She reveals how Coca-Cola financed research to redirect the conversation from dietary restraint to exercise, molding public perception. Greenhalgh critiques the International Life Sciences Institute's global influence on health narratives, particularly in countries like China. The podcast also draws alarming parallels between ultra-processed foods and the opioid epidemic, urging vigilance against corporate manipulation of public health.

Dr. Ronnie Grinberg, an insightful author, explores post-World War II Jewish masculinity within New York's intellectual circles. She delves into how figures like Norman Mailer and Hannah Arendt embodied a unique American Jewish machismo, marked by verbal confrontations and aggressive argumentation. Grinberg discusses the delicate balance between these men's identity and the evolving feminist landscape, the pivotal role of Lionel Trilling, and the roots of neoconservatism shaped by Midge Dector, all while tracing a vibrant intellectual history.

Bhaskar Sunkara, the editor of Jacobin magazine, dives deep into the roots and relevance of socialism today. He shares his immigrant upbringing and how public libraries shaped his Marxist views. Sunkara discusses the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and the need for radical politics to combat extreme inequality. He critiques historical leftist movements and emphasizes the importance of balancing individual freedoms with workers' rights. The conversation explores socialism's potential to create a more equitable society and the necessity for engaging local communities in political processes.

Ludovico Silva, a Venezuelan poet and philosopher, delves into the literary style of Marx, revealing how understanding his unique expression clarifies many often-misunderstood concepts. Silva discusses the interconnectedness of poetry and dialectics, emphasizing the importance of metaphors in explaining ideas like alienation and ideology. He highlights Marx's architectonic structure and examines the diverse influences on his writing, including Maori mythology. Silva's insights challenge listeners to appreciate Marx as a complex figure encapsulating science, philosophy, and literature.

Matt Brim, an Associate Professor of Queer Studies at the College of Staten Island, advocates for a transformative approach to queer studies that includes the voices of poor and working-class individuals. He critiques elitism in academia and discusses the systemic barriers marginalized groups face. The conversation covers the unique challenges of teaching queer studies in public institutions and highlights the contrasting experiences of queer individuals in urban versus rural settings. Brim emphasizes the importance of inclusivity to enrich educational discourse and foster equity in academia.