New Books in Sociology
New Books Network
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
Oct 31, 2024 • 54min
Jamie Hakim, "Digital Intimacies: Queer Men and Smartphones in Times of Crisis" (Bloomsbury, 2024)
Jamie Hakim, a Lecturer at King's College London, and James Cummings from the University of York, dive into how queer men navigate intimacy through smartphones. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on relationships, revealing creative strategies like video calls. The conversation also highlights the role of digital platforms in managing vulnerability, especially against racism and transphobia. Their research uncovers the complexities of intimacy in queer cultures, especially in a politically tumultuous landscape, offering fresh insights into community dynamics and intersectionality.
Oct 29, 2024 • 55min
Jia Tan, "Digital Masquerade: Feminist Rights and Queer Media in China" (NYU Press, 2023)
Jia Tan, an Associate Professor of Cultural Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, dives into the intersection of digital media with feminist and queer activism in China. She introduces the concept of 'digital masquerade,' highlighting how technology aids in creative expression despite state censorship. Tan discusses the significant impact of the Feminist Five and the evolution of 'rights feminism.' Key topics include community-based digital filmmaking and the lively narratives emerging from queer film festivals, challenging societal norms in contemporary Chinese society.
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 13min
Mark W. Geiger, "Floor Rules: Insider Culture in Financial Markets" (Yale UP, 2024)
Mark W. Geiger, an independent scholar of economic history, dives into the intriguing world of financial markets in his latest work. He unpacks the 'floor rules' that insiders must navigate, revealing the high stakes of breaking these unwritten norms. Geiger recounts the dramatic story of B.P. Hutchinson's wheat market corner in 1888 and explores the ethical fallout from the 2008 LIBOR scandal. With a keen eye on market dynamics, he discusses the evolution of insider language and the shifting landscape influenced by technology and aggressive trading tactics.
Oct 29, 2024 • 53min
Sabina Faiz Rashid, "Poverty, Gender and Health in the Slums of Bangladesh: Children of Crows" (Routledge, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, Sabina Faiz Rashid, a professor and health advocate, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by families in Dhaka's slums. She reveals how health disparities persist despite economic growth, especially for women and children. Rashid dives into the intertwined issues of gender, poverty, and health, accentuating the vital role of personal stories over traditional methodologies. She also uncovers the complicated relationship between marginalized communities and law enforcement, highlighting struggles for dignity and resistance amidst systemic challenges.
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 6min
Townsend Middleton, "Quinine's Remains: Empire’s Medicine and the Life Thereafter" (U California Press, 2024)
Townsend Middleton, an associate professor at UNC Chapel Hill specializing in colonial studies, delves into the legacy of the cinchona plantations in Darjeeling. He discusses the historical journey of the cinchona tree, its significance in the fight against malaria, and the implausible future of local communities amid privatization threats. Through personal narratives, he highlights ongoing resistance, the resurgence of political agitation, and the transformative impacts of colonialism on identities, illuminating the struggle for rights and recognition in a post-colonial landscape.
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 3min
Melissa Deckman, "The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy" (Columbia UP, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, Melissa Deckman, CEO of PRRI and a noted political scientist, unveils how Gen Z is transforming American politics. She highlights the unique experiences that have shaped their activism, particularly among women and LGBTQ individuals, who are mobilizing to push progressive values. Deckman dives into the historic 'reverse gender gap' in political participation and explores Gen Z's distinct relationship with news and feminism. Through compelling narratives and original research, she illustrates how young voters are set to influence future elections.
Oct 27, 2024 • 1h 8min
Nathan Kalman-Lamb and Derek Silva, "The End of College Football: On the Human Cost of an All-American Game" (UNC Press, 2024)
Nathan Kalman-Lamb, an Assistant Professor of Sociology known for "Game Misconduct," and Derek Silva, an Associate Professor with the book "Power Played," delve into the hidden costs of college football. They reveal how the sport exploits players, particularly through coercive practices and racial dynamics. Their discussions highlight the chronic injuries athletes face, the deceptive nature of NIL agreements, and the systemic inequities within college athletics. The podcast challenges the glorified image of college football, demanding critical reforms and shedding light on its harsh realities.
Oct 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
Larisa Jasarević, "Beekeeping in the End Times" (Indiana UP, 2024)
Larisa Jasarević, an anthropologist and independent scholar, discusses her work on beekeeping and climate change in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She reveals how local beekeepers experience ecological shifts and climate extremes, intertwining their practices with cultural and spiritual beliefs. Jasarević explores the deep symbolism of bees in Islamic tradition and local lore, emphasizing honey's role as divine revelation. The conversation highlights resilience, community action, and hope amid despair, showcasing the complex relationship between humanity and nature.
Oct 26, 2024 • 25min
Nathan J. Murphy, "The Ideas That Rule Us: How Other People's Ideas Rule our Lives and How to Change it" (Prepolitica, 2024)
Nathan J. Murphy, a political theory researcher and entrepreneur, discusses his book exploring how ideologies shape our lives. He delves into consumerism versus contributionism, arguing for stronger community ties over materialism. Murphy emphasizes adaptability in today's fast-paced world, drawing on historical examples. He also tackles the impact of globalization on morality and the evolving understanding of human nature through neuroscience. His insights encourage a rethinking of societal norms and individual experiences.
Oct 26, 2024 • 40min
How Did Arabic Get on That Sign?
Rizwan Ahmad, a Professor of Sociolinguistics at Qatar University, dives into the intriguing world of Arabic signage across Qatar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. He discusses how Arabic is used in public spaces, influencing cultural identity and sociolinguistic dynamics. Rizwan highlights the challenges of non-standard Arabic spellings and their implications for learners. He also explores the nuanced relationship between language and identity, particularly how Arabic shapes cultural perceptions in non-Arabic-speaking regions, fostering unique identities and religious significance.
