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 2, 2024 • 51min
Neoliberalism and the University, Part 1
Explore how neoliberalism reshapes higher education, affecting students, faculty, and institutions. Dive into the corporatization of universities and the rising burdens of student debt. Uncover the precarious reality for adjunct faculty and the challenges of academic casualization. The conversation also highlights the shift from academic ideals to profit-driven motives, exposing the urgent need for equitable practices and grassroots organizing in today's educational landscape.
Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 10min
Bernard E. Harcourt. "Cooperation: A Political, Economic, and Social Theory" (Columbia UP, 2023)
In this engaging discussion, Bernard E. Harcourt, the author of 'Cooperation: A Political, Economic, and Social Theory,' explores innovative models of cooperation as a viable alternative to capitalism. He delves into the crises facing liberal democracies and the need for cooperative frameworks to combat climate change and economic inequality. Harcourt highlights how cooperation can redefine justice and promote equitable wealth distribution. He also introduces 'cooperism,' emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual aid in crafting sustainable futures.
Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 9min
Jan Eeckhout, "The Profit Paradox: How Thriving Firms Threaten the Future of Work" (Princeton UP, 2021)
Jan Eeckhout, an author and economist, explores the paradox of market success in 'The Profit Paradox.' He explains how thriving firms can actually hinder job creation and exacerbate economic inequality. Eeckhout discusses the monopolistic practices of large companies and their detrimental effects on competition and innovation. He advocates for thoughtful regulation, especially in the age of AI, to promote fair competition and safeguard the labor market. Ultimately, he offers an optimistic vision for balancing economic growth with social equity.
13 snips
Jul 28, 2024 • 38min
Musa al-Gharbi, "We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite" (Princeton UP, 2024)
Musa al-Gharbi, an author who delves into the contradictions of social justice movements, offers a thought-provoking critique of the new 'woke' elite. He argues that this group uses social justice rhetoric to gain power while perpetuating inequality. The conversation covers how symbolic capitalism shapes societal perceptions and explores the conflicts within wealthy foundations. Al-Gharbi also discusses the evolving narrative of trauma in America, highlighting how broader definitions of trauma impact notions of victimhood, particularly across different socioeconomic groups.
Jul 26, 2024 • 57min
Jonathan Branfman, "Millennial Jewish Stars: Navigating Racial Antisemitism, Masculinity, and White Supremacy" (NYU Press, 2024)
Author Jonathan Branfman discusses how millennial Jewish stars like Drake and Seth Rogen navigate racial antisemitism and masculinity in entertainment. They challenge stereotypes, channel national anxieties, and reflect societal issues through their performances, ultimately presenting a marketable image that resonates with audiences.
Jul 22, 2024 • 37min
Gavriel D. Rosenfeld and Janet Ward, "Fascism in America: Past and Present" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Experts Gavriel D. Rosenfeld and Janet Ward discuss the history of fascism in America, exploring the presence of fascist ideas in US society, analyzing the rise of Black antifascism, white vigilantism, and American Nazis in popular culture. They debate whether Trumpism aligns with fascism, examine historical conservative-fascist relationships, and explore alternate history scenarios where Nazis win World War Two in TV series.
Jul 21, 2024 • 1h 2min
Arie Perliger, "American Zealots: Inside Right-Wing Domestic Terrorism" (Columbia UP, 2020)
Arie Perliger, an expert on right-wing domestic terrorism, discusses the rise of far-right violence targeting minorities and extremists in the US. He explores the history, tactics, and organizations of right-wing terrorism, offering policy recommendations to combat the threat. Topics include the diversity of far-right groups, challenges in data collection, impact of violence on communities, and addressing issues of masculinity and anti-feminism within these movements.
Jul 21, 2024 • 56min
Breanne Fahs, "Burn It Down: Feminist Manifestos for the Revolution" (Verso, 2020)
Breanne Fahs, curator of feminist manifestos, discusses the power of these documents in igniting social change. The podcast explores the diverse voices and movements represented in the collection, from queer trans activism to body positivity. It delves into the historical significance of feminist manifestos, highlighting their relevance in addressing societal issues like capitalism and labor. The discussion also touches on feminist hackers, embracing humor in feminist politics, and the importance of witchcraft in women's history.
Jul 21, 2024 • 1h 11min
Lucia Hulsether, "Capitalist Humanitarianism" (Duke UP, 2023)
Lucia Hulsether discusses 'Capitalist Humanitarianism' by exploring how neoliberal elites incorporate leftist critiques for profit, from fair-trade consumption to microloans. She analyzes the racial and neocolonial implications of such projects, urging a critical perspective on humanitarian organizations in Central and South America. The conversation delves into the complexities of leftist engagement in capitalist practices and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to religious studies.
Jul 20, 2024 • 38min
Ujju Aggarwal, "Unsettling Choice: Race, Rights, and the Partitioning of Public Education" (U Minnesota Press, 2024)
Ujju Aggarwal discusses 'Unsettling Choice', highlighting how school choice perpetuates competition and exclusion. The podcast explores the neoliberal restructuring in public education post-Great Recession, revealing the entrapment of public schools in privatization and exclusion. Aggarwal shares insights on challenges faced by mothers in NYC navigating school options and the transition from community organizer to researcher. Ethical decisions in ethnographic research and historical examples of insurgent organizing in Education Against Enclosure are also explored.
