New Books in Critical Theory
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 14, 2024 • 51min
Miguel Montalva Barba, "White Supremacy and Racism in Progressive America: Race, Place, and Space" (Policy Press, 2024)
Miguel Montalva Barba, an author focused on race and urban sociology, takes listeners on a journey through his research in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. He discusses how even in a liberal district, systemic racism endures, revealing the complex dynamics of gentrification and displacement. The term 'genocesicide' is introduced to describe the violent loss experienced by communities facing urban renewal. His exploration of race, place, and settler colonialism sheds light on the historical narratives that continue to shape modern neighborhoods.
Aug 13, 2024 • 54min
Craig Gent, "Cyberboss: The Rise of Algorithmic Management and the New Struggle for Control at Work" (Verso, 2024)
Craig Gent, an insightful author focused on algorithmic impacts in workplaces, discusses the rise of digital management in sectors like logistics and delivery. He reveals how algorithms create new forms of worker control, sometimes leading to exploitation. Through compelling worker testimonies, Gent critiques traditional labor strategies, advocating for a humanist approach to tech-mediated workplaces. He also explores how workers creatively resist these systems, reclaiming autonomy through resourceful intelligence, and emphasizes the importance of collective action in this evolving landscape.
6 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 5min
Soar and Chill
In this engaging discussion, Robin James, a musicologist and philosopher, explores the profound connections between music and society. She dives into the evolution of electronic dance music (EDM), emphasizing timbral and rhythmic complexity as key elements. Robin critiques the narratives of resilience in pop culture, particularly regarding race and gender. She examines how contemporary music reflects neoliberalism and systemic inequalities, while also highlighting the emotional complexities within the narratives of artists like Ludacris and Rihanna.
Aug 11, 2024 • 32min
Spencer Piston, “Class Attitudes in American Politics: Sympathy for the Poor, Resentment of the Rich, and Political Implications” (Cambridge UP, 2018)
In this conversation with Spencer Piston, an author examining American class attitudes, the discussion challenges assumptions about public perceptions of the poor and wealthy. Piston reveals that many Americans actually feel sympathy for the poor while resenting the rich, impacting political choices and public policy. The talk highlights how these sentiments may influence electoral outcomes and party strategies, revealing a complex interplay between class attitudes and political preferences that could reshape future democratic engagement.
Aug 9, 2024 • 35min
Frederick Luis Aldama, "Decolonizing Latinx Masculinities" (U Arizona Press, 2020)
Frederick Luis Aldama, a Distinguished University Professor at Ohio State University and co-editor of "Decolonizing Latinx Masculinities," delves into the multifaceted dynamics of Latinx identities. He explores how a new wave of scholarship is challenging toxic stereotypes of masculinity. The conversation highlights the reclamation of diverse masculinities in literature, media, and contemporary culture, emphasizing healing and decolonization. Aldama shares insights on evolving Latinx masculinities among younger generations, advocating for inclusivity and creative expression.
4 snips
Aug 9, 2024 • 53min
Neoliberalism and the University, Part 2
Dive into the intricate world of neoliberalism's grip on universities. Discover how metrics and the pressure to publish are reshaping academia while eroding job security. The conversation touches on Elon Musk's influence in light of AI developments, like ChatGPT, and their implications for education. Explore the call for alternatives that support the public good amidst these challenges. Idealism in pursuing a PhD is highlighted, along with the challenges and transformative powers of indigenization and collective action in academia.
6 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 28min
Jacob Soll, "Free Market: The History of an Idea" (Basic Books, 2022)
Jacob Soll, an accomplished author on economic history, discusses the provocative themes from his latest work. He critiques the simplistic notions of free market principles, especially in light of China's economic ascent. Soll highlights the essential role of state intervention throughout history, countering the belief that markets thrive solely on their own. He delves into the ethical foundations of market thought and examines the complexities of contemporary economic dynamics, using examples like Silicon Valley to illustrate the intertwined relationship between government policies and market growth.
Aug 8, 2024 • 46min
Alice Mah, "Petrochemical Planet: Multiscalar Battles of Industrial Transformation" (Duke UP, 2023)
Alice Mah, a Professor in Urban and Environmental Studies at the University of Glasgow, dives into the intricate battles surrounding the petrochemical industry. She discusses the environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities, spotlighting compelling case studies like Cancer Alley. The conversation highlights local activism in cities such as Nanjing and Guangzhou, contrasting it with global ecological movements. Mah calls for systemic changes in the petrochemical sector, emphasizing the urgent need for decarbonization and the integration of indigenous knowledge for a sustainable future.
Aug 7, 2024 • 40min
The Role of Psychoanalytic Mechanisms of Defense; What They Are and How They Work
Dr. Filipe Copeland, a psychoanalyst specializing in defense mechanisms, dives into the intricate world of denial. He discusses two types: Strategic Denial, where individuals sidestep uncomfortable truths, and Psychological Denial, which shields them from deeper pains. The conversation links these concepts to systemic racism, emphasizing personal responsibility in acknowledging biases. Insights from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spur reflections on how guilt can drive community action and the critical need for collective awareness to foster genuine connections.
Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 12min
Anne Gray Fischer, "The Streets Belong to Us: Sex, Race, and Police Power from Segregation to Gentrification" (UNC Press, 2022)
Anne Gray Fischer, an author known for her work on the intersections of sex work, policing, and state violence, shares her insightful journey through research. She discusses how sex workers shaped her understanding of policing tactics and systemic injustice. Fischer highlights the historical context of sexual policing and its disproportionate impact on women of color. The conversation also touches on the complexities of feminist activism, shifting police legitimacy, and the urgent need to reclaim women's narratives in modern discussions about race and violence.
