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
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 6min
Beng Huat Chua, "Public Subsidy, Private Accumulation: The Political Economy of Singapore's Public Housing" (NUS Press, 2024)
Beng Huat Chua, an expert on Singapore's public housing political economy, dives into the transformative journey of public housing in Singapore and its implications for social equity. He discusses the shift from welfare to market commodity and critiques the unintended consequences that have deepened wealth disparities. The impact of COVID-19 on the housing market and the challenges of pricing new flats are also examined. Chua reflects on whether Singapore's model can serve as an example for other nations grappling with affordable housing.
Sep 18, 2024 • 32min
Marta Fijak and Artur Ganszyniec, "How and Why We Make Games" (CRC Press, 2024)
Marta Fijak, a writer exploring games and culture, teams up with Artur Ganszyniec, an author focused on game design narratives. They dive into the complexities of game creation and the balance between artistic expression and commercial viability. Topics include the importance of crediting developers and the evolution of the gaming industry. They challenge hyper-realism in games, advocating for more stylized visuals and diverse themes, while emphasizing the integration of varied worldviews for richer narratives.
Sep 17, 2024 • 49min
Eli Revelle Yano Wilson, "Handcrafted Careers: Working the Artisan Economy of Craft Beer" (U California Press, 2024)
Eli Revelle Yano Wilson, a sociologist focused on the craft beer industry's labor dynamics, explores the tensions between passion and stability in careers. They discuss how social connections and cultural beliefs shape diverse pathways within the artisan economy. Key challenges include gender and racial disparities, with insights into the workforce demographics dominated by 'bearded white men.' Wilson highlights how systemic challenges intersect with personal passion, revealing complex motivations among individuals navigating this vibrant yet uneven labor landscape.
Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 33min
Jason Ramsey, "Reckoning with Change in Yucatán: Histories of Care and Threat on a Former Hacienda" (Routledge, 2023)
Jason Ramsey, an author focusing on Yucatán's historical shifts, dives into the complexities of change versus heritage within the community of Chunchucmil. He discusses how residents navigate the conflicting aspirations of redevelopment versus cultural preservation. Through the lens of a former hacienda and the veneration of the Virgin of the Rosary, Ramsey paints a picture of local identity shaped by both economic and spiritual narratives. The conversation also highlights the importance of community bonds and the evolving nature of history as a dynamic, ongoing performance.
Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 15min
Neil Van Leeuwen, "Religion As Make-Believe: A Theory of Belief, Imagination, and Group Identity" (Harvard UP, 2023)
Neil Van Leeuwen, a researcher in psychology, linguistics, and anthropology, discusses the compelling idea that religious beliefs operate like imaginative play. He explains how faith creates a dual cognitive map, blending factual reality with sacred imagination. This layered understanding influences group identity and the interpretation of everyday experiences. The conversation also probes the complexities of doubt in belief, the dynamics of prayer, and how these aspects shape personal and communal identity, illustrating the intricate psychology behind religion.
Sep 15, 2024 • 35min
Michael L. Walker, "Indefinite: Doing Time in Jail" (Oxford UP, 2022)
Michael L. Walker, an author who intimately explores American jail dynamics, shares his personal journey through incarceration. He discusses the grim realities of awaiting trial, where many spend years in overcrowded conditions. Walker highlights the degrading nature of punishment and the racial politics that shape daily life in jails. He uncovers the complex relationships between inmates and deputies, examining the crucial role of prisoner representatives and the emotional struggles of individuals coping with trauma and segregation. A compelling look at the nuances of jail life.
Sep 15, 2024 • 59min
Gil Hizi, "Self-Development Ethics and Politics in China Today: A Keyword Approach" (Amsterdam UP, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, Gil Hizi, a postdoctoral fellow from Goethe University, highlights the term 'xinshang' (appreciation) and its role in personal growth narratives in China. Xinyan Peng, an assistant professor at Sun Yat-sen University, explores 'duanlian' (exercise) and its connection to white-collar women's body image concerns. Mieke Matthyssen from the University of Ghent delves into 'tangping' (lying flat), framing it as a rebellion against societal expectations. Together, they illuminate the intricate landscape of self-development in contemporary China.
Sep 14, 2024 • 1h 7min
Thomas White, "China's Camel Country: Livestock and Nation-Building at a Pastoral Frontier" (U Washington Press, 2024)
Thomas White, a lecturer at King’s College London, dives into the fascinating interplay between livestock and nation-building in China’s Inner Mongolia. He discusses how state-led environmentalism impacts ethnic Mongol pastoralists, showcasing their cultural resilience amid strict conservation policies. The conversation highlights the significance of Bactrian camels in local heritage and their evolving role in the economy, with an emphasis on innovative practices like camel dairy production. White also addresses the cultural tensions between modern urbanization and traditional herding lifestyles.
Sep 14, 2024 • 60min
Aviad Moreno, "Entwined Homelands, Empowered Diasporas: Hispanic Moroccan Jews and Their Globalizing Community" (Indiana UP, 2024)
Dr. Aviad Moreno, an Israeli scholar with roots in Morocco, Venezuela, and Spain, explores the rich tapestry of Hispanic Moroccan Jews in his new work. He discusses their unique dual heritage and cultural identity within the diaspora. The conversation highlights migration patterns that intertwine their history with Spanish colonial influences and their emotional connections to multiple homelands. Moreno also emphasizes the community's efforts to strengthen global networks and preserve cultural identities, showcasing their empowerment through connectivity.
Sep 13, 2024 • 54min
Lynn M. Tesser, "Rethinking the End of Empire: Nationalism, State Formation, and Great Power Politics" (Stanford UP, 2024)
Lynn M. Tesser, an insightful author focusing on nationalism and state formation, delves into why nation-states emerged amid imperial decline. She argues that nationalism was often perceived more by outsiders than by local activists. Tesser explores the failure of revolutions to unify under a single nationalist agenda and examines the intricate dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe post-World War I. She also discusses China's unique stability after the Qing Dynasty's fall and critiques simplistic views of Algeria's independence movement.
