New Books in Sociology

Hongwei Bao’s book is a thoughtful exploration of gay identity and queer activism in China. This work stems from the term and identity tongzhi, which means “comrade” and in more recent decades has been a popular term to refer to gay people and sexual minorities more broadly. Based on ethnographic research and a solid theoretical base, Queer Comrades: Gay Identity and Tongzhi Activism in Postsocialist China (NIAS Press, 2018) explores queer identity, activism, and governmentality in China, where negotiations between socialism and neoliberalism play out. From a cultural studies perspective, Bao examines a variety of topics from queer spaces in urban centers such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou to conversion therapy diaries to queer film festivals. This book speaks to a wide variety of humanities and social science fields and will appeal to those interested in a fresh study of postsocialist China, gay identity formation, activism, and LGBT studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Kathleen Klaus, Assistant Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco has written a terrific book, Political Violence in Kenya: Land, Elections, and Claim-Making published in 2020 by Cambridge University Press. Kathleen’s book is richly researched and beautifully written. She draws on 15 months of survey and interview methods to center the politics of elites in crafting land narratives that lead—or not—to electoral violence. Kathleen’s book is a great example of mixed methods as a way to understand and explain what are the conditions in which individuals’ can be primed for physical violence. Political Violence in Kenya is a fascinating book that raises novel questions about the role of contentious politics in framing elite political outcomes, as well as how elites coordinate with ordinary people to try to instigate violence.For those wanting to dig deeper into Kenya politics or electoral violence, Dr. Klaus recommends:-The Elephant Blog.-The Journal of Peace Research: Special Issue on Electoral Violence, January 2020.-Violence in African Elections: Between Democracy and Big Man Politics, edited by Bjarnesen and Söderburg Kovacs (2019).-Voting in Fear: Electoral Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa, edited by Bekoe (2012) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Milton Gaither, a professor of education at Messiah College, discusses the history of homeschooling in America, including scandals and key figures like John Holt. The podcast explores the impact of the internet, the shifting roles of parents, the nationalization of education, and the emergence of the homeschooling movement. The episode also features a humorous introduction about unexpected encounters on a dating app.

Jafari S. Allen, author of 'There's a Disco Ball Between Us: A Theory of Black Gay Life,' offers a sweeping and lively ethnographic and intellectual history of what he calls 'Black gay habits of mind.' He traces the genealogies of Black gay politics and cultures in various locations, from Nairobi to Toronto, and discusses the importance of archives and the inclusion of personal experiences in understanding Black gay life. The podcast explores topics such as the complexities of black masculinity, interracial desire, and the theorization of black gay experiences.

Sukhmani Khorana, author of Mediated Emotions of Migration, discusses the role of emotions and affect in understanding migration. She explores topics such as transversal solidarity, reclaiming agency, challenging media representations, and gender in migration policy. The podcast delves into theoretical frameworks, self-representation, and the themes of aspiration and belonging within the context of migrants.

Nessette Falu explores the well-being and self-worth of Black lesbians in Brazil against prejudice. They discuss the trauma caused by interactions with gynecologists, the pursuit of well-being through self-care and social change, and the erasure of Black lesbian subjecthood by the medical system. Falu rethinks the medicalization of race, sex, and gender while emphasizing relationships, socioeconomic struggles, the erotic, and freedom strivings as aspects of Black queer life.

Ben Jacobsen and David Beer discuss the impact of social media on memory, exploring how platforms categorize and rank content. They examine how Facebook determines what constitutes a memory, how memories are reshaped by social media platforms, and the effects of classifying and ranking memories. They also touch on ongoing research on synthetic data and algorithmic decision-making.

James Cummings, author of The Everyday Lives of Gay Men in Hainan: Sociality, Space and Time, discusses the experiences of gay men in Hainan, China. Topics include the concept of the 'scene', self-representation in online spaces, and expectations for marriage and reproduction among gay men in Hainan.

Hein de Haas, author of 'How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics,' busts myths about migration and discusses labor demand, poverty's impact on migration, remittances, immigration discourse, and policy practices.

Devrim Adam Yavuz, expert on Turkey's democracy and capitalism, discusses the relationship between capitalism and democracy in Turkey. He explores the role of business elites in pushing for democratic reform, the formation and significance of Turkey's largest holding companies, the challenges faced by the government and business leaders in implementing reforms, and future projects on state power and COVID-19 interventions. The podcast also highlights the author's adeptness in connecting sociological theories with Turkish history.