New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

How can technology creates new possibilities for transgender people? How do trans experiences, in turn, create new possibilities for technology? Trans Technologies, (MIT Press, 2025) by Dr. Oliver L. Haimson, explores how and why mainstream technologies often exclude or marginalize transgender users. Trans Technologies describes what happens when trans people take technology design into their own hands. Dr. Haimson, whose research into gender transition and technology has defined this area of study, draws on transgender studies and his own in-depth interviews with more than 100 creators of technology—including apps, games, health resources, extended reality systems, and supplies designed to address challenges trans people face—to explain what trans technology is and to explore its present possibilities and limitations, as well as its future prospects.Dr. Haimson surveys the landscape of trans technologies to reveal the design processes that brought these technologies to life, and to show how trans people often must rely on community, technology, and the combination of the two to meet their basic needs and challenges. His work not only identifies the role of trans technology in caring for individuals within the trans community but also shows how trans technology creation empowers some trans people to create their own tools for navigating the world. Articulating which trans needs and challenges are currently being addressed by technology and which still need to be addressed; describing how trans technology creators are accomplishing this work; examining how privilege, race, and access to resources impact which trans technologies are built and who may be left out; and highlighting new areas of innovation to be explored, Trans Technologies opens the way to meaningful social change. Our guest is: Dr. Oliver Haimson, who is an Assistant Professor at University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) where he directs the Community Research on Identity and Technology (CRIT) Lab, and is affiliate faculty with the Digital Studies Institute (DSI) and a Senior Fellow at the Center for Applied Transgender Studies (CATS). He is a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER award, and a Henry Russel Award. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is the producer of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: More Than A Glitch Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters Raising Them Public Scholarship and Feminist Communications Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 250+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

Violet Moller, an independent historian and author, delves into the scientific revolution of 16th-century Europe. She highlights the groundbreaking ideas of Nicolaus Copernicus and the impactful work of figures like John Dee. The conversation reveals how empirical observation transformed astronomy and spotlights the collaborative spirit among scholars and craftsmen. Moller also discusses the tension between mystical practices and emerging scientific rigor, along with the overlooked contributions of the Arab world in this pivotal era.

Anna Gjika, an assistant professor at SUNY New Paltz, discusses the intersection of youth, gender, and technology in her work. She highlights alarming trends in teen sexting, cyberbullying, and digital sexual violence. Gjika emphasizes the importance of understanding peer cultures rather than just monitoring behavior. She explores how digital platforms shape perceptions of sexual assault and victimization, advocating for comprehensive sexual education and open conversations around ethics and consent in the digital age.

In this 100th episode (!!!) of Peoples & Things, host, Lee Vinsel, talks with Benjamin H. Snyder, Associate Professor of Sociology at Williams College, about his recent book, Spy Plane: Inside Baltimore’s Surveillance Experiment (University of California Press, 2024). Spy Plane examines how the city of Baltimore, Maryland, came to adopt a corporate-run surveillance program using aerial surveillance planes that could supposedly photograph and track every person in public. Snyder bases his account on incredible access and direct observations inside the for-profit tech startup that ran the program. He also examines the complex reactions of community members in the neighborhoods that were surveilled and how the program eventually fell to pieces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

In this engaging discussion, Kean Birch, a Professor at York University specializing in science and technology studies, delves into the intricacies of personal data as a vital economic asset. He reveals how our reliance on Big Tech transforms our personal data into private commodities and the implications of this shift on society. Birch explores the concept of assetization, emphasizing ownership and valuation techniques. The conversation highlights the monopolistic strategies of tech giants in creating data enclaves and the urgent need for regulatory responses to navigate a data-driven economy.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bilston, Professor of English Literature specializing in 19th-century British literature, delves into the captivating history of the Cattleya labiata orchid and its role in Victorian culture. She explores how this rare flower sparked a frenzy among the wealthy and middle classes, intertwining themes of class, media influence, and imperialism. Bilston highlights the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized plant hunters and local communities, as well as the shift from rarity to accessibility, showcasing the ecological and social impacts of this obsession.

Jean J. Ryoo, Director of the Computer Science Equity Project at UCLA, and Jane Margolis, Senior Researcher at UCLA School of Education, discuss their graphic novel 'Power On!'. They explore how technology can empower youth, emphasizing accessibility in computing education. The duo addresses the systemic biases in tech, particularly surrounding AI and race, and highlights the importance of diverse voices in the field. Their insights on educational inequities and the need for inclusive narratives make a compelling case for reforming computer science education.

Beth Linker, a historian and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into her book, Slouch. She unravels the historical evolution of 'bad posture' in America, linking it to themes like racism and industrialization. The discussion touches on the American Posture League and the societal impacts of posture norms. Linker also reflects on the intersection of posture, disability, and class, revealing how these perceptions have shifted over time. Plus, she hints at her fascinating upcoming projects exploring health narratives and disability.

Lina Pinto-García, a postdoctoral fellow in anthropology and author of 'Maraña,' dives deep into the intricate connection between war and disease in Colombia. She unveils how leishmaniasis, a skin disease transmitted by sandflies, intertwines with the historical context of Colombia's armed conflict. Pinto-García shares her personal journey from biologist to anthropologist, emphasizes the social stigma surrounding the disease, and discusses the politics of treatment, including the implications of pharmaceuticals like glucantime in war zones. Her insights reveal the complex narratives shaping health and resilience amidst turmoil.

To what extent do cyberspace operations increase the risks of escalation between nation-state rivals? Scholars and practitioners have been concerned about cyber escalation for decades, but the question remains hotly debated. The issue is increasingly important for international politics as more states develop and employ offensive cyber capabilities, and as the international system is increasingly characterized by emergent multipolarity.In Escalation Dynamics in Cyberspace, Erica D. Lonergan and Shawn W. Lonergan tackle this question head-on, presenting a comprehensive theory that explains the conditions under which cyber operations may lead to escalation. In doing so, they challenge long-held assumptions about strategic interactions in cyberspace, arguing that cyberspace is not as dangerous as the conventional wisdom might suggest. In some cases, cyber operations could even facilitate the de-escalation of international crises. To support their claims, Lonergan and Lonergan test their theory against a range of in-depth case studies, including strategic interactions between the United States and key rivals; a series of case studies of the role of cyber operations in international crises; and plausible future scenarios involving cyber operations during conflict.  The authors then apply their analytical insights to policymaking, making the case that skepticism is warranted about the overall efficacy of employing cyber power for strategic ends. By exploring the role of cyber operations in routine competition, crises, and warfighting, Escalation Dynamics in Cyberspace presents nuanced insights about how cyberspace affects international politics Our guest is Erica D. Lonergan, an Assistant Professor in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society