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 13, 2024 • 1h 19min
Sharad Chari, "Apartheid Remains" (Duke UP, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, Sharad Chari, an Associate Professor of Geography at UC Berkeley and author of "Apartheid Remains," delves into the long shadows of apartheid in South Africa, particularly in contemporary Durban. He investigates how marginalized communities navigated the oppressive frameworks imposed by a racially stratified state. Chari highlights the historical resistance of Black, Indian, and coloured populations, exploring themes of racial capitalism, biopolitical struggle, and the transformative power of subaltern placemaking in urban spaces.
Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
Theo Williams, "Making the Revolution Global: Black Radicalism and the British Socialist Movement before Decolonisation" (Verso, 2022)
Theo Williams, a social history lecturer at the University of Glasgow, discusses his work on how Black radicalism influenced British socialism before decolonization. He highlights key figures like George Padmore and C.L.R. James, revealing their struggles and contributions within socialist movements. The conversation delves into the Communist Party's shifting loyalties and the internal debates of the Independent Labour Party regarding colonialism. Williams emphasizes the lasting impact of these radical traditions on contemporary discussions about race and class.
Oct 12, 2024 • 1h 7min
Gretchen Sisson, "Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood" (St. Martin's Press, 2024)
Gretchen Sisson, a qualitative sociologist from UCSF, dives deep into the politics surrounding adoption and its implications for women's choices in her new book, 'Relinquished.' She uncovers the challenging realities that mothers face when relinquishing their children, particularly in the context of the overturned Roe v. Wade. Sisson critiques the commodification of adoption, the racial dynamics at play, and how these systems perpetuate reproductive injustice. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of amplifying the voices of relinquishing mothers and calls for urgent reform in adoption practices.
Oct 12, 2024 • 37min
Migration, Constraints, and Suffering
In this engaging discussion, Marco Santello, a researcher in multilingualism from the University of Turin, dives deep into the challenges faced by Gambian migrants in Italy. He explores how language barriers create significant constraints, affecting both identity and integration. Marco highlights the shared experiences of suffering and resilience among migrants, emphasizing their creative navigation of multilingualism. He also touches on the role of language in shaping personal expectations and the broader implications for educational opportunities within migrant communities.
Oct 11, 2024 • 53min
Kanupriya Dhingra, "Old Delhi's Parallel Book Bazaar" (Cambridge UP, 2024)
Kanupriya Dhingra, an Assistant Professor at O.P. Jindal Global University, dives into the vibrant world of Old Delhi's Daryaganj Sunday Book Market. She explores the spatial dynamics shaped by sellers, buyers, and civic authorities, highlighting the resilience of booksellers in an ever-changing landscape. Dhingra shares captivating stories of buyer motivations and the unique interactions within this bustling bazaar. With insights into the historical significance of the market and its cultural role, she illustrates the joy and community that books bring to urban life.
Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 8min
Virginia Nicholson, "All the Rage: Power, Pain, Pleasure: Stories from the Frontline of Beauty 1860-1960" (Pegasus Books, 2024)
Virginia Nicholson, a social historian and author, dives into her latest work, exploring the evolving ideals of female beauty from 1860 to 1960. She discusses the troubling ties between beauty standards and the eugenics movement, as well as how clothing choices became expressions of identity and rebellion against societal norms. Nicholson highlights the empowerment found in movements like the Women's League of Health and Beauty and the role of suffragettes in shaping fashion as a claim for rights. The conversation reveals how historical pressures continue to influence contemporary body image.
Oct 11, 2024 • 54min
Lisa-Jo K. Van den Scott, "Walled-In: Arctic Housing and a Sociology of Walls" (Lexington Book, 2024)
Lisa-Jo K. Van den Scott, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Memorial University, discusses her book, exploring the impact of walls in Arctic housing. She reveals how these structures affect identity and power dynamics within the Inuit community of Arviat. The conversation delves into the trauma of colonial architecture and how the community adapts Western designs to express cultural values. Key topics include resilience through physical spaces, the cultural significance of walls in storytelling, and the role of traditional foods in Inuit identity.
Oct 11, 2024 • 35min
Civil Society in China: How Society Speaks to the State
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Runya Qiaoan, an assistant professor and senior researcher specializing in Chinese civil society, delves into the complex dynamics of NGOs under authoritarian rule. She explains the innovative strategies activists use to advocate for change, particularly through the concept of 'cultural resonance,' where goals align with culturally accepted values. Topics include the challenges faced by NGOs, the impact of new laws, and the importance of leveraging cultural narratives to foster social advocacy in contemporary China.
Oct 9, 2024 • 1h 19min
Risa Cromer, "Conceiving Christian America: Embryo Adoption and Reproductive Politics" (NYU Press, 2023)
Risa Cromer, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Purdue University, dives into the complex world of embryo adoption, rooted in the desires of white pro-life evangelicals. She discusses how embryo adoption intersects with reproductive politics, nationalism, and white saviorism, revealing its push to redefine personhood. Cromer's six-year ethnographic research uncovers the emotional experiences of donors and recipients while highlighting the political motivations that drive this movement. Her insights offer a critical lens on the broader implications for reproductive rights and the Christian Right's influence.
Oct 8, 2024 • 34min
Frank R. Baumgartner, “Suspect Citizens: What 20 Million Traffic Stops Tell Us about Policing and Race” (Cambridge UP, 2018)
Frank R. Baumgartner, a political science professor at UNC Chapel Hill and co-author of "Suspect Citizens", explores the implications of the landmark Terry v. Ohio case on modern policing. He discusses his analysis of 20 million traffic stops, revealing alarming racial disparities where Black drivers are disproportionately targeted. The conversation delves into the impact of political power on policing practices and highlights successful community reforms in Fayetteville, showing how trust can be rebuilt through genuine public safety efforts.
