New Books in Sociology Myles Lennon, "Subjects of the Sun: Solar Energy in the Shadows of Racial Capitalism" (Duke UP, 2025)
Jul 8, 2025
Myles Lennon, a Dean's Assistant Professor at Brown University, dives deep into the complex relationship between solar energy and racial capitalism. He argues that while solar initiatives promise equity, they often overlook the exploitation of marginalized communities. Lennon critiques the allure of 'screen work' in renewable energy, emphasizing the need for sensory engagement with local environments. He also highlights the decentralization dilemma, urging a more human-centered approach to energy governance that supports blue-collar workers and fosters authentic community activism.
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Energy Policy Advocacy Experience
- Myles Lennon shares his experience working as a sustainable energy policy advocate in NYC for eight years.
- He witnessed ambitious climate justice policies failing due to a disconnected market-based approach and complex implementation challenges.
Sunlight Obscures Solar Exploitation
- The sun's sublime, life-giving image masks the exploitative, racialized labor behind solar panel production.
- This challenges Marx's commodity fetishism by adding the sun's cultural power to how solar is idealized.
Seductive Nature of Screen Work
- "Screen work" involves labor through digital platforms that detaches workers from on-the-ground realities.
- Solar workers find screen work seductive as it offers control absent in messy, in-person community organizing.
