New Books in Critical Theory

In this engaging conversation, Quinn Slobodian, a historian known for his insights into neoliberalism, and Philip J. Stern, an authority on the British Empire's legal and business histories, delve into the complexities of political economy. They unpack Adam Smith's theories while revealing how corporations shaped imperial governance. Discussions also focus on Slobodian's critique of capitalism's fragmentation and the repercussions for global politics today. Together, they shed light on the enduring influences of history on contemporary economic structures.

Christoph Schuringa, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Northeastern University London, discusses his new book on Marx's philosophical journey. He argues that Marx aimed for the actualization of philosophy, not a departure from it. Schuringa reinterprets Marx's relationship with figures like Aristotle and Hegel, emphasizing a shift from idealism to materialism. He highlights Marx's 'Capital' as both a critique and a call to action. The conversation also explores Marx's enduring relevance in modern societal structures, making it clear that his ideas resonate today.

Anthony C. Infanti, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh, dives into the unsettling relationship between taxation and slavery in colonial America. He highlights how tax laws were weaponized to dehumanize enslaved individuals, treating them as property for economic gain. Infanti explores various colonial approaches to compensating slaveholders, revealing the moral complexities of these practices. He also discusses how taxation could serve as a tool for both oppression and potential reform, urging listeners to reflect on its historical implications for modern society.

Katie Beswick, a Senior Lecturer in Arts Management at Goldsmiths, dives into the representation of working-class women in British culture. She discusses the evolution of the term ‘slag’ and its implications for identity in contemporary art and media. Beswick analyzes how the male gaze distorts female perspectives in film and reflects on the complexities of truth and authenticity in narratives by women. She emphasizes the intersections of class, race, and sexuality, citing examples from prominent artists like Michaela Coel, making a compelling case for deeper academic exploration.

Nneka D. Dennie is an Assistant Professor of History and an advocate for Black women's studies. She discusses the remarkable contributions of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, one of North America's first Black women newspaper editors. Dennie highlights Cary's profound influence on women's rights, abolitionism, and economic self-determination. The conversation touches on her critiques of respectability politics and systemic injustices, drawing connections to modern movements like Black Lives Matter. Dennie's insights emphasize the lasting significance of Cary's radical feminist legacy.

In this discussion, Peter Allen, Professor of Politics and Co-Director at the University of Bath, explores the intricacies of politics in daily life. He challenges conventional views, urging listeners to see politics beyond elections, emphasizing its relevance in personal experiences. Allen introduces the concept of 'polycrisis' to explain the overlap of societal issues, like climate change and instability. He also examines how personal values shape political beliefs, stressing the need for grassroots engagement to foster genuine change in a complex world.

Dr. Jaleh Mansoor, an Associate Professor of Art History at the University of British Columbia, delves into the provocative connections between universal prostitution and modernist abstraction. She reinterprets Marxist aesthetics by exploring how gendered and generalized labor influences art. The discussion touches on notable works, from Manet to contemporary artists, and critiques how abstraction can mask societal inequalities. Mansoor challenges listeners to reconsider the muse's role and the implications of commodification on artistic identity in a capitalist framework.

Tamara Lea Spira, an Associate Professor of Queer Studies, discusses her book on queer families and reproductive justice. She explores the evolution of queer family structures and critiques the increasing normativity within LGBTQ+ movements. With a focus on historical and contemporary reproductive justice, Spira emphasizes the importance of community care, solidarity, and alternative family dynamics. She also highlights the challenges faced by queer families and advocates for hope and transformative futures, urging society to embrace diverse kinship amidst ongoing social and environmental crises.

Rasheedah Phillips, a queer housing advocate and interdisciplinary artist, dives deep into the intricacies of race, space, and time. She critiques the one-directional perception of time shaped by historical oppression, revealing how Black communities subvert these notions through rituals and tenant organizing. Phillips discusses concepts like 'Color People's Time' and its cultural significance, while exploring innovative tools like quantum time capsules. Listeners are invited to imagine a future where the past and present intertwine to foster Black liberation and community healing.

Lucia Soriano, an assistant professor specializing in women's, gender, and sexuality studies, dives into the burdens women face to embody cultural ideals in a neoliberal landscape. She explores how unpaid labor, driven by beauty standards from reality TV and social media, affects women's identities. Soriano discusses the historical shift of 'embodying normalcy' and how influencers shape societal expectations. She highlights the challenges of normative motherhood and the pressure on women to conform, revealing the complexities of self-presentation in today’s culture.