New Books Network Lucia Soriano, "Embodying Normalcy: Women's Work in Neoliberal Times" (Lexington Books, 2024)
May 15, 2025
Lucia Soriano, an assistant professor specializing in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, dives into the intricate dynamics of women's unpaid labor in a neoliberal society. She examines the pressures to conform to beauty standards through reality TV, influencers, and celebrity culture. Soriano discusses the historical roots of embodying normalcy, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the challenges women face in balancing societal expectations with their identities. She also reflects on motherhood's idealization and offers insights into academic perseverance and future research.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Lucia's Celebrity Proximity
- Lucia Soriano grew up near Hollywood in Southern California and often visited LA to tap into celebrity culture.
- This proximity fueled her fascination with celebrity bodies and reality television, influencing her academic interests.
Embodying Normalcy Defined
- Embodying normalcy is an action-oriented, ongoing daily labor rather than a fixed state.
- Women must constantly transform their bodies to align with shifting neoliberal cultural expectations.
Choosing the 2000s-2020s Frame
- The book focuses on U.S. culture from the early 2000s to 2020 to appeal to younger audiences.
- This time frame traces the evolution of makeover culture from reality TV to digital influences.