New Books in Sociology

Vaia Touna and Richard Newton discuss revisiting classical theorists in religious studies, challenging the norm of prioritizing the latest thinkers. They highlight the importance of reshaping academic paradigms and engaging with diverse scholarly material. The conversation emphasizes nuanced approaches to generating new questions and insights, exploring the relevance of classical theorists in religious studies and the significance of incorporating them into research.

Exploring women's experiences of gender-based violence and harassment in Cambodia's construction industry, the podcast discusses the challenges faced by women workers, the disparity between regulations and working conditions, and the psychological and physical impacts of workplace violence. It also highlights the importance of addressing these issues through effective policies and interventions, emphasizing the need for quality research to drive awareness and action globally.

Ahmed M. Abozaid’s Undesired Revolution: The Arab Uprising in Egypt--A Three Level Analysis (Brill, 2023) introduces new non-Western perspectives on the Arab Uprisings, decentering and decolonizing International Relations, and Middle Eastern Studies. Drawing on over ten years of fieldwork, ethnography, over 250 interviews, and empirical research, it is one of the first books to evaluate the position of International Relations theorists towards studying the Arab Uprisings. It relies on local IR scholarship from the region, which is rarely considered. It provides a critical account of why democratic revolutions have failed, how counterrevolutions and authoritarianism have fortified, and why revolutions will once again experience a resurgence in this part of the world.Ibrahim Fawzy is a literary translator and academic based in Egypt. His interests include translation studies, Arabic literature, ecocriticism, and disability studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Author Arsalan Khan explores Pakistan's Tablighi movement, focusing on preaching, ethical worldviews, and challenging notions of Islam and secularism. The podcast delves into violence, religion, community formation, modernity, and family ties within Islamic communities, offering an insightful look into piety movements in South Asia.

Lorenza B. Fontana discusses indigenous rights and ethnic conflict in the Andes, exploring post-recognition dynamics and conflicts. The podcast covers recognition reforms' impact on intergroup competition, challenges of navigating indigenous recognition politics in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, and struggles of Quechua migrant parents in accessing indigenous scholarships in Peru. It advocates for inclusive approaches to recognition policies for conflict resolution.

Author Bruce O'Neill discusses how Bucharest's subterranean world reflects urban gentrification, from repurposed metro stations to basement apartments, revealing the vertical dynamics of inequality shaping the middle class's place in the city.

Author Elliott Prasse-Freeman discusses grassroots activism and state violence in Myanmar post-coup. Topics include activism challenges, resistance at mining sites, political cartoons' role, Rohingya genocide complexities, and global biopolitics of violence. A deep dive into Myanmar's revolutionary dynamics.

Ieva Jusionyte, anthropologist and author of 'Exit Wounds: How America's Guns Fuel Violence Across the Border', discusses the impact of American guns on violence, the intertwining relationships between organized crime and law enforcement, personal stories of gun smuggling and violence in Mexico, challenges faced by journalists and US federal agents, and the role of series editor for public anthropology at University of California Press.

Grazia Ting Deng discusses 'Chinese Espresso' in Italy, exploring the rise of Chinese-owned coffee bars and the cultural exchanges within. She delves into the family dynamics, social class influences, and gender dynamics of these establishments, highlighting the resilience of Chinese baristas in creating convivial spaces amidst challenges.

Seth D. Kaplan, author of 'Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time', discusses revitalizing communities by strengthening local institutions and social connections. Topics include innovative approaches to youth mentoring, affordable housing, and the importance of neighborhood relationships during the COVID-19 crisis.