New Books in Critical Theory

Lennard J. Davis, a Professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago and expert in disability studies, dives into the concept of 'poornography'—the portrayal of poverty by those who have never lived it. He critiques canonical authors like Dickens for their limited and harmful representations. Davis advocates for 'transclass' writers to share genuine experiences of poverty, arguing this approach can dismantle stereotypes. He also discusses the importance of humility in literature and the critical need to honor the voices of those actually living in these conditions.

Anuradha Sajjanhar, a Lecturer in Politics & Public Policy at the University of East Anglia, dives into the intersection of technocracy and populism in the context of Modi's India. She explores how expert knowledge is leveraged to bolster populist agendas, transforming India's political landscape. The dialogue addresses the consequences of this blend on democracy and governance and discusses the role of think tanks in shaping policy. Sajjanhar also examines the shift in political influence and the implications of AI on decision-making and expertise in policymaking.

Michael Hardt, a Professor of literature and political theory at Duke University and co-author of the Empire trilogy, delves into the revolutionary movements of the 1970s. He challenges misconceptions about these movements, arguing they laid groundwork for today’s activism. Hardt emphasizes the interconnectedness of LGBTQI, labor rights, and anti-capitalism movements. He also explores participatory democracy through the Kwangju Community, critiques traditional views on labor struggles, and highlights the importance of intersectionality in social justice movements.

Andrew deWaard, Assistant Professor of Media and Popular Culture at UC San Diego, dives into how Wall Street's financial interests are reshaping popular culture. He argues that the surge in derivative media—like reboots and franchises—stems not from audience demand but from corporate greed. DeWaard explores the detrimental effects of financialization on creativity and storytelling, critiquing the dominance of licensing and the prioritization of recognizable properties over original content. He highlights the cultural consequences of viewing art as mere financial assets in today's media landscape.

Kostas Kampourakis, a science educator and author at the University of Geneva, dives into the myths surrounding genetic ancestry in his latest book. He discusses how ancestry testing can create misleading notions of identity, often conflating genetics with ethnicity. Kampourakis unpacks the social constructs of race and the flawed science behind early anthropological methods. He emphasizes that while DNA reveals connections, it doesn't define one's identity, advocating for a broader understanding of ancestry that values cultural and historical context.

Omer Aijazi, an assistant professor at the University of Manchester and author of "Atmospheric Violence: Disaster and Repair in Kashmir," explores the complex realities of life amid environmental disasters and militarized conflict in Kashmir. He discusses 'atmospheric violence,' blending stunning landscapes with the daily violence faced by communities. Aijazi shares powerful personal narratives, highlighting resilience, community connections, and innovative projects like a cookbook that celebrate Kashmir's rich cultural heritage despite ongoing adversity.

Matilde Massó, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of A Coruña, delves into the fascinating world of money and its transformations. She discusses how technological advancements, particularly in digital currencies, are reshaping economic models and social contracts. Massó critiques the role of cryptocurrencies, highlights financialization's impact, and explores innovative monetary systems designed to address societal challenges like aging populations. This conversation opens a compelling debate on how a new understanding of money can enhance social welfare.

Deborah Valenze, Ann Whitney Olin Professor at Barnard College, presents a radical reinterpretation of Thomas Malthus and his theories on scarcity. She uncovers Malthus's narrow views on food production and how they contributed to colonial agricultural models. Valenze explores the overlooked subsistence practices like hunting and gardening, reshaping our understanding of human livelihoods. Additionally, she critiques the biases in historical narratives regarding indigenous cultures and discusses the cultural significance of bread in societal hierarchies.

Zerlina Maxwell, a political analyst and host on Sirius XM, dives deep into the themes of her book, discussing the pitfalls of the Democratic Party since 2016. She highlights the marginalization of black women in politics and the importance of intersectionality in addressing systemic inequalities. The conversation tackles the necessity of inclusive representation, the impact of voter suppression on marginalized groups, and the need for engaging younger generations in political processes. With humor and insight, Maxwell calls for transformative changes within political structures.

Adam Greenfield, author of "Lifehouse: Taking Care of Ourselves in a World on Fire," discusses navigating crises through collective resilience and community organizing. He explores the concept of 'lifehouses'—community resource hubs drawing inspiration from movements like Occupy Sandy and the Black Panthers. Greenfield emphasizes the importance of mutual aid networks and grassroots initiatives, proving they can empower communities amid chaos. His insights highlight how we can reclaim agency and foster meaningful change in an age of escalating challenges.