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 25, 2024 • 56min
Himanshu Upadhyaya, "Critical Insights on Colonial Modes of Seeing Cattle in India (1850–1980)" (Springer, 2024)
Himanshu Upadhyaya, author of "Critical Insights on Colonial Modes of Seeing Cattle in India (1850–1980)", delves into the intricate history of cattle in India, highlighting their ecological and social significance. He discusses the deep interdependence between cattle rearing and agriculture during colonial times and critiques the underappreciation of bovine animals by colonial policies. Upadhyaya also connects historical practices to modern dairy cooperatives, revealing their roots in colonial military regimes, and advocates for a more holistic understanding of agricultural systems.
Oct 25, 2024 • 37min
Omer Aijazi, "Atmospheric Violence: Disaster and Repair in Kashmir" (U Pennsylvania Press, 2024)
Omer Aijazi, an ethnographer and assistant professor at the University of Manchester, discusses his new book focusing on Kashmir's struggles with environmental and social turmoil. He introduces the concept of 'atmospheric violence,' revealing how communities cope with ongoing crises. Aijazi emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in disaster studies, highlighting emotional tolls and the need for alternative narratives. He also touches on how a 2005 earthquake reshaped identities and proposes ways to celebrate Kashmiri culture through culinary traditions amid adversity.
Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
Matilde Masso, "Contested Money: Towards a New Social Contract" (Routledge, 2023)
Matilde Masso, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of A Coruña, discusses her book on the evolution of money and its societal implications. She explores the transformative power of technology on money and economic justice. Masso proposes a new monetary model rooted in social welfare, presenting money as a means to enhance individual and communal good. She delves into financialization impacts across cultures, revealing how attitudes towards debt vary globally. This enlightening discussion challenges conventional views and advocates for a redefined social contract.
Oct 24, 2024 • 60min
Dolores Albarracin et al., "Creating Conspiracy Beliefs: How Our Thoughts Are Shaped" (Cambridge UP, 2021)
Dolores Albarracin and Julia Albarassin, experts in social psychology and political science, dive into the intricate world of conspiracy beliefs. They examine how fear, anxiety, and media bias fuel the acceptance of these theories, drawing on unique empirical data. The duo reflects on their own experiences growing up in 1970s Argentina, linking personal narratives to broader societal implications. They also discuss the psychological roots behind these beliefs and the dangers they pose to public trust and health behaviors.
Oct 22, 2024 • 52min
Steven T. Katz, "The Holocaust and New World Slavery: A Comparative History, Volume 2" (Cambridge UP, 2019)
Steven T. Katz, an esteemed professor of Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Boston University, delves into the complex comparisons between the Holocaust and New World slavery. He discusses the stark contrasts in labor practices, focusing on the exploitation of Jewish and Black individuals. Katz highlights the differing fates of women and children in both systems, emphasizing the intentional extermination faced by Jewish communities. He also reflects on the moral quandaries history presents and urges a deeper understanding between Black and Jewish scholars to foster dialogue.
Oct 22, 2024 • 42min
Sarah Ball, "Behavioural Public Policy in Australia: How an Idea Became Practice" (Routledge, 2022)
Sarah Ball, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne and former public servant, shares insights from her book on Australia's behavioral public policy. She discusses the rise of behavioral insights in decision-making and the complexities of navigating bureaucracy. Sarah delves into the ethical implications of 'nudging' in policy and shares her research experiences within the public sector. She emphasizes the importance of a citizen-centered approach and the transformative role of technology, including AI, in shaping modern public policies.
Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 11min
Emrah Yildiz, "Zainab's Traffic: Moving Saints, Selves, and Others Across Borders" (U California Press, 2024)
Emrah Yildiz, an expert in the anthropology of Islam, discusses his upcoming book, which delves into the intricate pilgrimage journey from Tehran to the Sayyida Zainab shrine near Damascus. He explores the complex interplay of faith, mobility, and identity amidst sociopolitical tensions. The conversation touches on the transformative cultural exchanges in bazaars, including the trade of unique items like Ceylon tea and Syrian lingerie. Yildiz also emphasizes how diverse narratives shape our understanding of pilgrimages and the dynamic relationships within communities.
Oct 22, 2024 • 47min
Adam Greenfield, "Lifehouse: Taking Care of Ourselves in a World on Fire" (Verso, 2024)
Adam Greenfield, author of "Lifehouse: Taking Care of Ourselves in a World on Fire," passionately discusses the urgent need for community resilience amid crises. He introduces the 'lifehouse' concept, emerging from the Occupy Sandy initiative, as essential neighborhood hubs for mutual aid. Drawing on historical examples and contemporary movements, Greenfield emphasizes grassroots networks' power in facing global challenges. He also reflects on his journey in writing and the transformative role of community connections, blending personal growth with collective action.
Oct 21, 2024 • 54min
Tamara Jacka, "Ginkgo Village: Trauma and Transformation in Rural China" (Anu Press, 2023)
Tamara Jacka, Emeritus Professor at The Australian National University, shares her insights on the transformative experiences in Ginkgo Village, rural China. She discusses the impact of traumatic historical events, like the civil war and famine during the Great Leap Forward, on villagers’ lives. Jacka emphasizes the importance of ethnographic storytelling to foster empathy and understanding. The conversation also delves into evolving gender dynamics, challenges faced during fieldwork, and the resilience of communities navigating socio-economic changes.
Oct 20, 2024 • 49min
Anna Lora-Wainwright, "Resigned Activism: Living with Pollution in Rural China" (MIT Press, 2021)
In this engaging discussion, Anna Lora-Wainwright, a Professor of Human Geography of China at Oxford University, explores the intricacies of living with pollution in rural China. She introduces the concept of 'resigned activism,' showing how villagers navigate their daily struggles amidst industrial contamination. The conversation dives into grassroots responses, the emotional toll of pollution, and the challenges of seeking justice against a backdrop of socio-economic inequalities. Drawing on her rich fieldwork, Lora-Wainwright highlights community resilience and quiet forms of resistance.
