New Books in Critical Theory

On this episode of International Horizons, Francesco Duina, Charles A. Dana Professor of Sociology at Bates College and Luca Storti, Associate Professor of Economic Sociology at the University of Turin in Italy and a Research Fellow of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies, discuss the rise of inequalities around the globe and the divergent attitudes towards them since 1970. How can those inequalities be broken down? In this week’s episode, Duina and Storti preview their book-in-progress on The Social Acceptance of Inequality, and they examine four types of logic leading us to accept inequalities in today’s world. Not surprisingly, the concept of meritocracy plays a major role in our thinking about contemporary inequality, although perhaps more so in the United States than in Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Tad Delay, author of 'Future of Denial: The Ideologies of Climate Change,' discusses the societal denial of climate change, the influence of capitalism on action, and the challenges of addressing the climate crisis. He explores the historical context, technological solutions, media coverage, and the role of cultural production in tackling climate change. The podcast also delves into Christian Zionism's impact on climate change denial and views on Palestine.

Anthropologist Lamia Karim discusses her book 'Castoffs of Capital', exploring the lives of female garment workers in Bangladesh, their struggles with global capitalism, and their aspirations for love and fulfillment. The podcast delves into the complex intersections of work, gender, and neoliberalism, challenging traditional views of labor and highlighting the multifaceted identities and aspirations of these workers.

Netta Avineri and Patricia Baquedano-López discuss language, culture, and social justice in North America. They introduce a three-step framework for social change and emphasize reflexive practices in linguistics. The podcast explores collaborative efforts, Indigenous presence, community engagement, and climate change narratives.

Premilla Nadasen, author of 'Care: The Highest Stage of Capitalism,' discusses the failures of the care economy under capitalism. She explores the exploitation of care workers, the profit-driven foster care system, and the challenges of adult guardianship. Nadasen highlights the need for anti-capitalist approaches to caregiving for a more sustainable future.

Jeffrey Reiman and Paul Leighton discuss the inequalities in the criminal justice system, questioning why the rich are not held accountable for harm. They explore the biases in crime reporting, unsafe working conditions in meatpacking plants, labor exploitation, and the need for systemic reforms to address societal injustices and inequalities.

Sunaura Taylor, author of 'Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert,' discusses the interconnectedness of disability and environmental issues, advocating for a disability-centered approach in environmental studies. The podcast delves into personal narratives of environmental harm, the affinity between environmental justice and disability movements, and the importance of countering ableist responses to environmental crises. It emphasizes the need for inclusive and sustainable futures.

Anjali Arondekar challenges archival loss in subaltern sexuality history, emphasizing radical abundance in Gomantak Maratha Samaj archives. The discussion delves into reclaiming marginalized histories, embracing community archives, unravelling caste-sexuality intersection, and advocating for inclusive queer narratives in Dalit history.

Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz rethinks the nature of freedom and its relationship to capitalism. He explores the impact of power imbalances in unfettered markets, critiques neoliberal economics, challenges the concept of the invisible hand theory, and emphasizes the importance of societal rules and political engagement in shaping freedom.

Mona Simion, a philosopher, discusses resistance to evidence and epistemic obligations in her book. She explores belief justification, epistemic virtues, and interdisciplinary dialogue between epistemologists and social psychologists. The podcast delves into the influence of knowledge indicators, epistemic environments, normative conflicts, and redefining disinformation beyond falsehoods. It also explores conceptual engineering and its impact on societal categories and knowledge acquisition.