
Pauwke Berkers
Full professor of Sociology of Popular Music at the Erasmus University Rotterdam. Studies social interactions and contributes a uniquely sociological approach to understanding awkwardness.
Best podcasts with Pauwke Berkers
Ranked by the Snipd community

Aug 30, 2025 • 34min
Pauwke Berkers and Yosha Wijngaarden, "A Sociology of Awkwardness: On Social Interactions Going Wrong" (Taylor & Francis, 2025)
Pauwke Berkers, a full professor of Sociology of Popular Music, and Yosha Wijngaarden, an assistant professor of Media and Creative Industries, delve into the intriguing realm of awkwardness in social interactions. They reveal how awkwardness isn’t a mere personal shortcoming but a complex sociological phenomenon shaped by cultural contexts. From navigating post-pandemic social situations to exploring coping strategies like humor and avoidance, their insights uncover how societal norms influence our often uncomfortable connections.

Aug 30, 2025 • 34min
Pauwke Berkers and Yosha Wijngaarden, "A Sociology of Awkwardness: On Social Interactions Going Wrong" (Taylor & Francis, 2025)
Yosha Wijngaarden, a media and creative industries scholar, and Pauwke Berkers, a sociology professor specializing in popular music, delve into the complex world of social awkwardness. They discuss how awkwardness in interactions is shaped by social contexts rather than personal traits. The duo reflects on navigating these dynamics in a post-pandemic landscape, emphasizing insights from their empirical research. Listeners will find relatable anecdotes and a fresh perspective on managing discomfort in everyday social scenarios.


