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
Aug 18, 2024 • 31min
Raj Jayadev, "Protect Your People: How Ordinary Families Are Using Participatory Defense to Challenge Mass Incarceration" (New Press, 2023)
Raj Jayadev, a celebrated criminal justice activist, discusses the innovative concept of participatory defense. He emphasizes how families and communities can take an active role in courtrooms, leading to impactful outcomes like reduced charges and alternative rehabilitation programs. The conversation delves into empowering families, the significance of community experts, and the intersection of criminal and immigration justice. Through shared stories, Jayadev illustrates a hopeful vision for challenging mass incarceration and fostering collective resilience.
Aug 17, 2024 • 54min
Sudhir Kakar, "The Indian Jungle: Psychoanalysis and Non-Western Civilizations" (Karnac, 2024)
Ashis Roy, a psychoanalyst and author focusing on Hindu-Muslim relationships, teams up with Dhwani Shah, a psychiatrist and clinical associate faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania. They delve into Sudhir Kakar's influential work, discussing the integration of Indian cultural perspectives into psychoanalytic theory. Key topics include the significance of cultural identity for immigrants, the balance between individuality and community ties, and the interplay of spirituality and psychoanalysis in Hindu thought, offering rich insights into non-Western psychological practices.
Aug 16, 2024 • 40min
Matthew Archer, "Unsustainable: Measurement, Reporting, and the Limits of Corporate Sustainability" (NYU Press, 2024)
Matthew Archer, an author and critic of corporate sustainability metrics, unveils the hollow nature of corporate transparency. He argues that the obsession with measurable data often depoliticizes genuine sustainability efforts. With insights from his research across the US and Europe, Archer highlights the power dynamics between large corporations and marginalized communities, stressing the need for meaningful social engagement over mere metrics. He encourages a shift towards holistic solutions that address the root causes of climate crises and social inequalities.
13 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 38min
Policing and White Power with Daniel Kryder and David Cunningham (JP, EF)
In this captivating discussion, scholars Daniel Kryder and David Cunningham tackle police brutality and systemic racism. They delve into the historical roots of policing linked to racial control, revealing how these origins continue to affect communities. The duo highlights the role of police unions in hindering reform and explores the recent shifts in racial dialogues, particularly among white Democrats. They also reflect on the significant white participation in 2020 protests and its implications for achieving lasting change in policing practices.
Aug 15, 2024 • 39min
Decoloniality
Dive into the evolving discussion of decoloniality as a response to colonial legacies. Explore its relevance in contemporary critical Muslim studies and how student activism has influenced this academic shift. Engage with the historical impact of white supremacy on marginalized narratives and the importance of recognizing cultural agency. Delve into the intersections of decolonial thought and Islam, while critiquing traditional academic frameworks. Finally, rethink intellectual categories shaped by colonial influences and their implications for identity and power dynamics.
Aug 15, 2024 • 33min
Anthony Abraham Jack, "Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price" (Princeton UP, 2024)
Anthony Abraham Jack, author of "Class Dismissed," explores the stark realities faced by disadvantaged students at elite colleges. He discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, leaving many students to navigate challenges without adequate support. Jack shares personal stories illustrating the hidden struggles of these students, including the pressure of their home environments. He also emphasizes the need for universities to adopt proactive measures to genuinely foster inclusivity and address disparities in education.
Aug 14, 2024 • 55min
Tehila Sasson, "The Solidarity Economy: Nonprofits and the Making of Neoliberalism after Empire" (Princeton UP, 2024)
Tehila Sasson, a scholar studying nonprofits and neoliberalism, dives into the historical role of NGOs in shaping post-imperial economies. She discusses how British nonprofits attempted to establish ethical capitalism after 1947, navigating the complex dynamics of colonial legacies. Sasson highlights the shift from national ownership to decentralized economic models inspired by Gandhian principles. She also sheds light on the evolution of microfinance and the Jubilee 2000 campaign for debt forgiveness, illustrating the intricate relationship between ethics and market dynamics.
Aug 14, 2024 • 51min
Miguel Montalva Barba, "White Supremacy and Racism in Progressive America: Race, Place, and Space" (Policy Press, 2024)
Miguel Montalva Barba, an author focused on race and urban sociology, takes listeners on a journey through his research in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. He discusses how even in a liberal district, systemic racism endures, revealing the complex dynamics of gentrification and displacement. The term 'genocesicide' is introduced to describe the violent loss experienced by communities facing urban renewal. His exploration of race, place, and settler colonialism sheds light on the historical narratives that continue to shape modern neighborhoods.
Aug 13, 2024 • 54min
Craig Gent, "Cyberboss: The Rise of Algorithmic Management and the New Struggle for Control at Work" (Verso, 2024)
Craig Gent, an insightful author focused on algorithmic impacts in workplaces, discusses the rise of digital management in sectors like logistics and delivery. He reveals how algorithms create new forms of worker control, sometimes leading to exploitation. Through compelling worker testimonies, Gent critiques traditional labor strategies, advocating for a humanist approach to tech-mediated workplaces. He also explores how workers creatively resist these systems, reclaiming autonomy through resourceful intelligence, and emphasizes the importance of collective action in this evolving landscape.
6 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 5min
Soar and Chill
In this engaging discussion, Robin James, a musicologist and philosopher, explores the profound connections between music and society. She dives into the evolution of electronic dance music (EDM), emphasizing timbral and rhythmic complexity as key elements. Robin critiques the narratives of resilience in pop culture, particularly regarding race and gender. She examines how contemporary music reflects neoliberalism and systemic inequalities, while also highlighting the emotional complexities within the narratives of artists like Ludacris and Rihanna.
