New Books in Sociology
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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/sociology
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 4, 2025 • 54min
Santiago Zabala, "Signs from the Future: Philosophy of Warnings" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Santiago Zabala, an ICREA Research Professor of Philosophy at Pompeu Fabra University, discusses his latest book, which delves into the significance of warnings in navigating crises. He emphasizes that warnings are not predictions but reflections on current issues like gender, climate change, and machine warfare. Zabala explores interpretations of warnings in art, critiques the dangers of uncritical AI adoption, and highlights Greta Thunberg's emotional activism. The conversation urges a transformative approach to listening and rethinking society’s response to crises.
Sep 3, 2025 • 32min
Helen C. Epstein, "Why Live: An Anatomy of Suicide Epidemics" (Columbia Global Reports, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Helen C. Epstein, a public health researcher and writer from Bard College, explores the unsettling phenomenon of suicide epidemics. She delves into how profound social ruptures, rather than just mental illness, trigger spikes in suicide rates across various communities. The conversation touches on the isolating effects of modernization, particularly in post-communist Russia and Micronesia, and examines the intricate connections between trauma, resilience, and community support in combating mental health crises.
Sep 2, 2025 • 54min
Maddalena Cerrato, "Michel Foucault's Practical Philosophy: A Critique of Subjectivation Processes" (SUNY Press, 2025)
Maddalena Cerrato, Assistant Professor of Critical Theory, sheds light on Michel Foucault's practical philosophy, arguing for its relevance in analyzing freedom and power dynamics today. She critiques conventional interpretations of Foucault's work, emphasizing the continuity of his thoughts on subjectivity. The discussion explores Foucault's impact on ethics, self-care, and individual transformation, while addressing the complexities surrounding his legacy in modern contexts. Cerrato encourages a deeper engagement with Foucault's ideas to navigate contemporary issues effectively.
Aug 30, 2025 • 34min
Pauwke Berkers and Yosha Wijngaarden, "A Sociology of Awkwardness: On Social Interactions Going Wrong" (Taylor & Francis, 2025)
Pauwke Berkers, a full professor of Sociology of Popular Music, and Yosha Wijngaarden, an assistant professor of Media and Creative Industries, delve into the intriguing realm of awkwardness in social interactions. They reveal how awkwardness isn’t a mere personal shortcoming but a complex sociological phenomenon shaped by cultural contexts. From navigating post-pandemic social situations to exploring coping strategies like humor and avoidance, their insights uncover how societal norms influence our often uncomfortable connections.
Aug 28, 2025 • 58min
Tackling the Everyday: Race and Nation in Big-Time College Football
Dr. Tracie Canada, an insightful socio-cultural anthropologist from Duke University, tackles the complex realities faced by Black college football players. She shares her ethnographic research revealing how athletes resist exploitative systems while navigating the 'football family' narrative. The discussion highlights the disparities between Black players at HBCUs and predominantly white institutions, as well as the impact of race, gender, and kinship. Canada also calls attention to the educational and post-collegiate challenges that further complicate their lives.
Aug 24, 2025 • 57min
Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way, "Revolution and Dictatorship: The Violent Origins of Durable Authoritarianism" (Princeton UP, 2022)
Lucan Way, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, discusses his latest work, co-authored with Steven Levitsky, on the surprising durability of authoritarian regimes that stem from revolutions. They analyze why revolutions, often seen as progressive, can entrench authoritarianism through counterrevolutionary violence. The conversation highlights historical examples from the Soviet Union to Cuba, illustrating how strong state-building and ruling elites contribute to regime stability, even amidst crises. They also touch on foreign policy strategies in relation to resilient authoritarian states.
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
Uzma Quraishi, "Redefining the Immigrant South: Indian and Pakistani Immigration to Houston During the Cold War" (UNC Press, 2020)
Uzma Quraishi, an Associate Professor at Sam Houston State University, explores Indian and Pakistani immigration to Houston during the Cold War. She discusses how public diplomacy influenced highly educated South Asian students' migration. The conversation highlights the creation of inter-ethnic identities among immigrants and the concept of 'brown flight.' Quraishi examines the role of historical narratives in understanding current social movements, situating these immigrant experiences within broader racial dynamics in the South.
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Barbara Vinick and Shulamit Reinharz, "100 Jewish Brides: Stories from Around the World" (Indiana UP, 2024)
Join sociologists Barbara Vinick and Shulamit Reinharz as they discuss their book featuring 100 Jewish brides' stories from around the globe. Vinick, a gerontologist, dives into the diversity of Jewish women's experiences, while Reinharz brings insights from her heritage. They explore narratives of resilience, love, and tradition, including a touching love story set during World War II. Highlighting unique customs, they shed light on often-overlooked Jewish communities, emphasizing the importance of women's voices in these rich cultural tapestries.
7 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 41min
Erased Voices and Unspoken Heritage
Dr. Zozan Balci, an award-winning sociolinguist and social justice advocate, shares insights from her book, exploring the complex experiences of individuals navigating multicultural identities with three languages in play. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of suppressing heritage languages and the journey towards embracing one’s cultural identity. Balci emphasizes the power of personal stories in reconnecting with heritage and the importance of respectful name pronunciation in fostering confidence and cultural competence.
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Todd Mcgowan, "Pure Excess: Capitalism and the Commodity" (Columbia UP, 2024)
Todd McGowan is a theory and film professor at the University of Vermont and author of several influential books, including his latest, which challenges traditional views of capitalism. He discusses 'pure excess', arguing that capitalism thrives on fueling endless desires without fulfillment. McGowan critiques the simplification of economic issues and explores the allure of consumerism as a modern religion. He also highlights youth activism's paradoxes and emphasizes art’s potential to expose and resist capitalism's contradictions.
