

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.
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
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 25, 2024 • 42min
Aaron Reeves and Sam Friedman, "Born to Rule: The Making and Remaking of the British Elite" (Harvard UP, 2024)
Aaron Reeves and Sam Friedman, both Professors of Sociology at the London School of Economics, delve into the intricacies of the British elite in their latest work. They discuss how historical legacies and current dynamics uphold social class disparities. The role of gender in educational access within elite institutions reveals stark contrasts in opportunities. A fascinating analysis of wealth, identity, and the phenomenon of 'deflecting privilege' offers insights into how modern elites maintain their status. The conversation advocates for reforms to increase diversity within these powerful spheres.

Sep 22, 2024 • 40min
Andreas E. Feldmann, "Repertoires of Terrorism: Organizational Identity and Violence in Colombia's Civil War" (Columbia UP, 2024)
Andreas E. Feldmann, a researcher delving into terrorism and civil conflict in Colombia, explores the unique ways armed groups utilize violence during civil wars. He reveals how organizational identity influences these diverse strategies, shaping the behaviour of guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, and state security forces. Feldmann shares personal insights tied to his family's refugee history and discusses the evolution of tactics post-2016 Peace Accord. His findings underline the broader implications for understanding violence and humanitarian efforts in similar contexts.

5 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 1h 19min
Jack Palmer, "Zygmunt Bauman and the West: A Sociology of Intellectual Exile" (McGill-Queen's UP, 2023)
Jack Palmer, an author delving into the sociology of intellectual exile, explores Zygmunt Bauman's profound impact on contemporary thought. They discuss Bauman’s experience of exile and its influence on his writings, highlighting themes of Eurocentrism and imperialism. The conversation addresses how personal identity shapes sociological perspectives, especially through Bauman's unique use of the essay form. They also analyze Bauman's relevance today, particularly within decolonial critiques and ongoing global challenges, prompting us to reconsider how we remember intellectuals.

Sep 21, 2024 • 51min
Soraj Hongladarom et al., "Philosophies of Appropriated Religions: Perspectives from Southeast Asia" (Springer, 2024)
Soraj Hongladarom, an editor focused on Southeast Asian traditions, along with Jeremiah Joven Joaquin and Frank J. Hoffman, delve into the rich interplay of philosophy and religion in the region. They discuss topics like the blending of indigenous beliefs with world religions, exploring profound themes such as the problem of evil and the afterlife. The conversation highlights unique cultural practices like the Black Nazarene celebration and the philosophical ties between Buddhism and Spinoza. Engaging with feminist perspectives and AI ethics also broadens the dialogue on religious identity and diversity.

Sep 21, 2024 • 51min
Felia Allum, "Women of the Mafia: Power and Influence in the Neapolitan Camorra" (Cornell UP, 2024)
Felia Allum, an expert on organized crime, dives into the hidden narratives of women in the Neapolitan Camorra. She challenges the stereotype of women as mere victims, revealing their multifaceted roles as leaders and influential figures within the organization. Allum discusses how these women navigate and reshape traditional gender norms, showcasing their resilience and strategic intelligence. Her research highlights the need to reassess perceptions surrounding women's contributions and power dynamics in the male-dominated underworld.

Sep 21, 2024 • 45min
Aideen O’Shaughnessy, "Embodying Irish Abortion Reform: Bodies, Emotions, and Feminist Activism" (Bristol UP, 2024)
Dr. Aideen O'Shaughnessy is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology specializing in gender, health, and social movements. She discusses the emotional and personal dynamics of feminist activism surrounding abortion reform in Ireland. O'Shaughnessy highlights the haunting legacy of the Eighth Amendment and its impact on reproductive rights. She delves into the rise of confrontational pro-choice activism, emphasizing key events like the ABC case and Savita Halapannavar’s tragic story that galvanized the movement. Her insights reveal the deep connection between activism, emotion, and societal change.

Sep 20, 2024 • 57min
Joanna Allan, "Silenced Resistance: Women, Dictatorships, and Genderwashing in Western Sahara and Equatorial Guinea" (U Wisconsin Press, 2019)
Joanna Allan, an author and expert on resistance movements, discusses her research on the roles of women in the oppressive regimes of Western Sahara and Equatorial Guinea. She sheds light on the phenomenon of 'genderwashing' and how it co-opts women's rights under authoritarian rule. Allan emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's significant contributions in anti-colonial struggles while navigating complex issues of race, class, and gender. Through historical and current perspectives, she highlights the resilience of women amid brutal dictatorship and ongoing fights for equality.

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 15min
Andrea E. Pia, "Cutting the Mass Line: Water, Politics, and Climate in Southwest China" (Johns Hopkins UP, 2024)
Andrea E. Pia, an anthropologist from the London School of Economics, discusses his book on water politics in Southwest China. He critiques current water management strategies, emphasizing the complexities behind inter-basin transfers and hydropower projects. Pia explores the tensions between government narratives and local practices regarding water scarcity and advocates for sustainable, equitable resource management. He highlights community resilience and grassroots initiatives that challenge traditional governance, revealing a rich tapestry of struggles for justice and sustainability.

Sep 20, 2024 • 52min
Jack Crangle, "Migrants, Immigration and Diversity in Twentieth-century Northern Ireland: British, Irish or 'Other’?" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023)
Jack Crangle, an author focused on national identity and immigration in Northern Ireland, delves into the complex identities of migrants during the twentieth century. He explores how the Troubles impacted immigrants' experiences and the challenges they faced, especially concerning sectarian divides. By highlighting personal stories from Italian, Indian, and Chinese migrants, Crangle reveals the deep-seated issues of belonging and exclusion. He urges a reevaluation of societal structures in light of today’s growing diversity, bridging historical and contemporary perspectives on migration.

Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 7min
Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions
Join experts Ernesto Castaneda and Carina Cione as they unravel the complexities of immigration. They tackle misconceptions about immigrant crime rates, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of migration as a human story. The conversation shifts to the realities at the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting urban versus border city experiences. They challenge myths around multilingualism and reveal how immigrants contribute positively to the economy. Their insights provide a compelling argument for welcoming immigrant narratives and redefining our perceptions.


