New Books in Critical Theory

Vid Simoniti, author of 'Artists Remake the World: A Contemporary Art Manifesto,' discusses the political ambitions and potential of contemporary art. The podcast covers topics such as evidence-driven art, socially engaged art, and ecological art as solutions to global issues. Simoniti explores the intersection of art and politics, the changing perception of beauty, and the influence of institutions on art.

Astra Taylor, author and activist, discusses her book 'The Age of Insecurity' and explores the challenges of navigating a complex and uncertain world. They delve into topics such as democracy, inequality, education, climate crisis, legal systems, and solidarity as a political ideal.

Samuel Clowes Huneke, historian, discusses his book 'A Queer Theory of the State' and explores the intersection of queer theory and politics, challenging the negative view of the state in queer theory. He delves into the tension between normativity and queer theory, the role of pragmatism in queer politics, and the importance of joy and reimagining democracy. He also shares insights from his research on queer women in Nazi Germany.

Michael Rushton, Co-Director of the Center for Cultural Affairs at Indiana University, discusses the moral foundations of public funding for the arts. He explores various perspectives on arts policy, including egalitarian and communitarian critiques. The chapter also touches on the importance of cultural identity and preservation, as well as the influence of economist John Keynes.

Dr. Jennifer McClure explores how Victorian novels depict the feelings generated by an economic system that lets some people die in service of the free market. She analyzes works by Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, and Charles Dickens and challenges our understanding of how capitalism shapes our emotions. The podcast also discusses the complex relationship between Victorian fiction and economics, the tension between Adam Smith and Malthus on population control, the critique of capitalism and the control of emotions, the concept of boundary pleasure in Dickens' writing, and the role of money as a sticky object in Middlemarch.

Ian Smith, author of 'Black Shakespeare: Reading and Misreading Race', discusses the political and social ramifications of ignoring racial thinking in Shakespeare's plays. He explores the history of racial denial in Shakespeare studies, emphasizes the importance of acquiring racial literacy, and challenges interpretations of characters like Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice'.

Sarah E. Stoller discusses her book 'Inventing the Working Parent: Work, Gender, and Feminism in Neoliberal Britain'. She explores the rise of the working parent in the late 20th century, the politics surrounding working parenthood, and how feminists used the concept to advocate for change. Stoller also addresses the challenges faced by working parents in neoliberal Britain, including the need for flexible work structures and equal division of labor at home. The podcast also delves into the incorporation of feminist ideas in the public sector, specifically focusing on progressive initiatives in the UK.

Jessi Streib, Associate Professor of Sociology at Duke University, discusses her book 'The Accidental Equalizer: How Luck Determines Pay After College'. She explores the concept of 'luckocracy' in the hiring process and how it equalizes outcomes for college graduates. The podcast also delves into the role of 'fit' in assessing social class and how luck continues to play a role in career progression.

Paul Le Blanc, author of 'Lenin: Responding to Catastrophe, Forging Revolution,' explores Lenin's life, ideas, and political mistakes in an accessible study. Topics include Lenin's early life and influences, interpretations of the First World War and the significance of imperialism, Lenin's revolutionary vision, turning World War I into a civil war, and the application of Lenin's teachings in the present day.

Lydia Zvyagintseva and Mary Greenshields discuss the absence of the land question in libraries, the need to center land as a foundational category in understanding libraries, the significance of continuing conversations about land and libraries, lessons learned and challenges faced in a book project, and the importance of building on ideas and fostering discussions.