New Books in Sociology

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 17min

Matthew Gardner Kelly, "Dividing the Public: School Finance and the Creation of Structural Inequity" (Cornell UP, 2024)

Matthew Gardner Kelly, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, dives into the systemic inequities of public education funding. He discusses how local taxes have historically shaped disparities, particularly in California, linking education funding to racial and economic lines. Kelly explores the role of state policies in perpetuating these inequities, the impact of land appropriation on educational resources, and how historical narratives influence current funding practices. His insights shed light on the urgent need for funding reform to dismantle structural discrimination in education.
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Dec 4, 2024 • 58min

Alex Mayhew, "Making Sense of the Great War: Crisis, Englishness, and Morale on the Western Front" (Cambridge UP, 2024)

Join historian Alex Mayhew, an expert on the First World War, as he reveals the resilience of English infantrymen amidst the chaos of the Western Front. He explores how soldiers navigated their harrowing experiences, crafting meaningful narratives while enduring unprecedented hardships. Delve into the significance of morale, class distinctions, and the interplay between military culture and soldier perception. Discover how nostalgia for home and evolving ideas of duty shaped their identities during one of history's darkest chapters.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 40min

Laura C. Chávez-Moreno, "How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America" (Harvard Education Press, 2024)

Laura C. Chávez-Moreno, author and researcher, discusses how schools shape racial perceptions, particularly for Latinx students. She delves into the dual role of bilingual education as both an academic tool and a racial intervention, highlighting its historical roots and critiques. The conversation also tackles the complexities of Latinx identity in educational contexts, urging educators to embrace a deeper understanding of race. Ultimately, Dr. Chávez-Moreno calls for systemic changes to address educational inequities and the misconceptions surrounding racialization.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 1min

Victoria Soyan Peemot, "The Horse in My Blood: Multispecies Kinship in the Altai and Saian Mountains" (Berghahn Books, 2024)

Victoria Soyan Peemot, a cultural anthropologist at the University of Helsinki, delves into the deep connections between horses and pastoralists in the Altai and Saian Mountains. She shares insights on how these interspecies relationships shape community identity and resilience. The discussion highlights Tuvan cultural heritage, the intricate dynamics of insider and outsider identities in research, and the lasting impact of historical changes on these pastoral communities. With heartfelt anecdotes, Peemot illustrates the profound emotional ties that define human and horse kinship.
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Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 11min

Amy J. Binder and Jeffrey L. Kidder, "The Channels of Student Activism: How the Left and Right Are Winning (and Losing) in Campus Politics Today" (U Chicago Press, 2022)

Amy J. Binder is a sociology professor at Johns Hopkins, and Jeffrey L. Kidder teaches at Northern Illinois University, focusing on culture and meanings in life. They discuss how the right has successfully mobilized young activists on college campuses despite liberal dominance. Contrary to expectations, conservative groups benefit from strong national ties, funding, and post-graduation opportunities, while liberal organizations struggle to engage students beyond campus. The conversation reveals the complexities of student activism and the implications for future political landscapes.
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Dec 1, 2024 • 1h 21min

James T. White and John Punter, "Condoland: The Planning, Design, and Development of Toronto's CityPlace" (UBC Press, 2023)

James T. White, a Professor of Planning and Urban Design at the University of Glasgow, shares insights on Toronto's CityPlace, the city's largest residential megaproject. He reveals how political and economic shifts influenced its development, drawing parallels with Vancouver's urban model. The conversation explores design governance, the impact of investor-driven trends on housing, and the challenges of creating sustainable urban environments. With a focus on community versus profit, White highlights urgent questions for the future of urban planning.
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Nov 30, 2024 • 60min

Fatima Rajina, "British Bangladeshi Muslims in the East End: The Changing Landscape of Dress and Language" (Manchester UP, 2024)

Fatima Rajina, a senior fellow at the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre, discusses her book on British Bangladeshi Muslims in the East End. She examines how factors like the global war on terror have reshaped men's sartorial choices and language use. Rajina highlights the historical and cultural significance of clothing, exploring its evolution from tradition to modern identity markers, particularly among younger generations. The conversation challenges mainstream narratives by showcasing the community's rich cultural expressions and the impact of imperial legacies.
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Nov 30, 2024 • 59min

Samantha A. Vortherms, "Manipulating Authoritarian Citizenship: Security, Development, and Local Membership in China" (Stanford UP, 2024)

Samantha A. Vortherms, an Assistant Professor at UC Irvine, dives deep into China's hukou system. She discusses how authoritarian regimes manipulate citizenship to control rights access, revealing stark inequalities in socio-economic privileges. Vortherms also highlights the plight of internal migrants and the systemic hurdles they face. Through compelling examples, she explores the balance between political stability and economic development, unpacking the intricate relationship between local governance, security, and citizenship.
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7 snips
Nov 30, 2024 • 30min

Brett Bowden, "Now Is Not the Time: Inside Our Obsession with the Present" (Iff Books, 2024)

Professor Brett Bowden from Western Sydney University discusses his new book, which critiques our fixation on the present. He introduces the concept of tempocentrism, arguing it distorts our view of history and progress, often displaying bias. The conversation explores the clash between human urgency and geological timelines, questioning labels like the Anthropocene. Bowden advocates for patience over immediacy in decision-making, emphasizing the need to reflect on our place in nature rather than viewing civilization as its conqueror.
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Nov 27, 2024 • 35min

Sabrina Strings, "The End of Love: Racism, Sexism, and the Death of Romance" (Beacon Press, 2024)

Sabrina Strings, a sociologist and author of "The End of Love: Racism, Sexism, and the Death of Romance," dives deep into the state of modern relationships. She argues that the rise of 'situationships' stems from historical sexism and racism. Strings critiques how men are redefining attraction through a lens of whiteness, impacting Black women particularly. She discusses the evolution of masculinity, tracing the shift from playboys to 'fuckboys,' and emphasizes the need for a broader understanding of love that challenges traditional norms.

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