New Books in Critical Theory

Josh Cowen, an expert on educational policy and author of "The Privateers," discusses the controversial role of school vouchers and their negative impact on educational outcomes. He reveals how these programs, initially linked to conservative economic strategies, have fueled a culture war over education. Cowen critiques the motivations behind the voucher movement, highlighting the connections to billionaire influence and the emphasis on ideological goals rather than student success. He also explores the implications of vouchers for public education and societal equality.

Red Chidgey, an expert in museums and archives, teams up with Joanne Garde-Hansen, a scholar of culture and social movements, to explore 'protest memory.' They discuss how museums and archives shape public awareness of protests, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. They highlight museums as evolving activist spaces, engaging in social justice movements and ethical dilemmas in curating protest narratives. The conversation also delves into innovative practices for preserving activist histories, stressing the role of culture and memory in fostering social change.

Jess Whatcott, an author exploring the ties between disability institutions and eugenics in the US, discusses a haunting history of carceral eugenics. They reveal how early 20th-century eugenic ideologies justified forced sterilizations and coercive treatments, still resonating in today’s incarceration practices. Whatcott emphasizes the genealogy of resistance from disabled communities and the need to challenge these oppressive systems. The podcast dives into the intersection of queerness and disability, analyzing how societal categorizations continue to stigmatize marginalized groups.

Oren Kroll-Zeldin, author and scholar, delves into the experiences of young Jewish Americans involved in the Palestine solidarity movement. He discusses how these activists challenge mainstream pro-Israel attitudes by framing their views as rooted in Jewish values. Key topics include the strategies of targeting Jewish institutions, co-resistance efforts in Palestine, and the significance of the BDS movement. The conversation highlights a transformative shift in Jewish identity and activism, suggesting a hopeful direction for future discourse on justice and equality.

David H. Price, a Professor of Anthropology, delves into the intricate relationship between the American surveillance state and dissent. He uncovers how the FBI has historically targeted activists while aligning with capitalist interests. The conversation highlights the chilling effects of the post-9/11 era, where surveillance has become normalized under the guise of safety. Price critiques the disproportionate monitoring of leftist movements compared to right-wing groups, urging a reevaluation of civil liberties and the need for activism against this pervasive intrusion.

In this discussion, guest Andy Clarno, an author focused on racialized poverty and policing in urban environments, sheds light on his book about policing in Chicago. He explores how weaponized data harms marginalized communities, particularly Black, Latinx, and Muslim populations. Clarno critiques the perception of objectivity in law enforcement and discusses the necessity of abolitionist responses to oppressive practices. The conversation highlights community-driven research efforts aimed at dismantling the racialized policing apparatus and advocates for compassionate resistance to systemic injustices.

David Lay Williams is a political theorist focused on economic inequality and its historical significance in political thought. In this engaging discussion, he explores how thinkers from Plato to Marx addressed the dangers of wealth concentration and its impact on social stability. Williams emphasizes the moral implications of economic disparities, connecting philosophical insights to contemporary issues. He also reinterprets Adam Smith's views on meritocracy and reveals the evolving understanding of wealth's societal effects, making a strong case for addressing inequality today.

Dr. Dionne Powell, a contributor to the documentary 'Black Psychoanalysts Speak' and an expert in race and psychoanalysis, joins the conversation. She discusses how psychoanalytic defense mechanisms contribute to racism in America, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in therapeutic settings. The conversation also explores the historical traumas faced by the black community and advocates for open dialogue to address uncomfortable truths. Dr. Powell challenges listeners to confront denial and engage in discussions about race to foster understanding and healing.

Karyne E. Messina, a psychoanalyst and author, discusses her impactful new book, which serves as a guide to enhancing public understanding of democracy. She highlights a 45-day action plan designed to empower individuals against autocracy. The conversation delves into the psychological dynamics of political engagement, emphasizing the significance of grassroots movements and civic participation. Messina examines the dual role of community in resisting autocratic influence, while offering practical strategies for fostering democratic values and collective action.

What is reading? In What Readers Do: Aesthetic and Moral Practices of a Post-Digital Age (Bloomsbury, 2024) Beth Driscoll, an Associate Professor in Publishing, Communications and Arts Management at the University of Melbourne, explores this question by situating reading in a variety of contemporary social contexts. The book’s analysis engages with a range of academic fields to understand the study of reading, and offers a unique theoretical framework to understand the practices and meanings associated with reading in a variety of settings. The book also draws on a range of online and physical world case studies, from the aesthetics of ‘bookstagram’ through to behaviours and networks at book groups and literary festivals. The book is an essential read for a huge range of academics from the social sciences and humanities, as well as for anyone interested in reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory