New Books in Sociology

Thiago P. Barbosa, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Leipzig, delves into the intricate relationship between racialization and caste through the work of Irawati Karve. He discusses how Karve challenged the racial hypotheses of her time and addresses the colonial legacies affecting contemporary anthropology. Barbosa also critiques outdated racial classifications in education and explores the intersection of genetics and social factors in understanding caste, emphasizing the need for decolonization in scientific practices.

Matthew Allen, a Senior Lecturer in Historical Criminology at the University of New England, uncovers the fascinating interplay between alcohol and democratic ideals in colonial Australia. He discusses how public drinking rituals both unified and excluded different societal groups, notably women and Indigenous people. The toast, once a symbol of fraternity, also reflected the social hierarchies of the time. As temperance movements emerged, they reshaped notions of citizenship and respectability, highlighting alcohol's role in enforcing political boundaries. A riveting exploration of history and social dynamics!

Lieba Faier, a Professor at UCLA specializing in geography and gender studies, explores the complexities of the UN’s fight against human trafficking. She critiques the ineffectiveness of these well-funded campaigns, particularly in Japan's approach to assisting Filipina migrants. Faier introduces the concept of the 'banality of good,' revealing how bureaucratic protocols often neglect the voices of the very individuals they aim to help. The discussion includes disparities in global narratives and highlights the need for grassroots solutions over top-down strategies in combating trafficking.

In this exhilarating journey into underground parties, pulsating with life and limitless possibility, acclaimed author Amin Ghaziani unveils the unexpected revolution revitalizing urban nightlife. Drawing on Ghaziani's immersive encounters at underground parties in London and more than one hundred riveting interviews with everyone from bar owners to party producers, revelers to rabble-rousers, Long Live Queer Nightlife: How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution (Princeton University Press, 2024) showcases a spectacular, if seldom-seen, vision of a queer world shimmering with self-empowerment, inventiveness, and joy. Amin Ghaziani is Professor of Sociology who has taught at Northwestern, Princeton, University of British Columbia, and UC Santa Barbara. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

How do feminist movements develop and organise in ethno-nationally divided societies? How does this challenge our understandings of contemporary fourth wave feminism? Women's Troubles: Gender and Feminist Politics in Post-Agreement Northern Ireland (Manchester University Press, 2025) by Dr. Claire Pierson sets out to answer these questions using rich empirical data and analysis in an examination of feminist activism after the Northern Irish peace agreement. Utilising feminist frameworks and debates on movement building, policymaking, abortion rights, gender-based violence and the UN women, peace and security agenda, Dr. Pierson interrogates the opportunities and challenges in articulating a feminist voice and creating feminist spaces in the conflict transformational politics and society. Capturing the complexities of contemporary feminist movement building in a divided society, Women's Troubles contributes to ongoing analysis of contemporary global feminisms. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

In this engaging conversation, Anna Gjika, an assistant professor of sociology at SUNY New Paltz, sheds light on youth and sexual assault in the digital age. She discusses how incidents like sexting scandals reflect deeper societal norms and power dynamics. Gjika advocates for understanding digital cultures rather than mere surveillance. The discussion explores the complexities of victim identities and the challenges institutions face in addressing youth sexual violence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education on digital ethics.

Howard A. Husock, a journalist and researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the intricate history of public housing in America. He discusses how well-intentioned policies often backfired, leading to the decline of vibrant Black neighborhoods. The podcast uncovers tales of community resilience against the backdrop of past mistakes in housing policy. Husock also emphasizes the importance of social connections in urban living and proposes reforms for affordable housing that honor community-driven solutions.

A History of Transgender Medicine in the United States (SUNY Press, 2025) takes an empathic approach to an embattled subject. Sweeping in scope and deeply personal in nature, this groundbreaking volume traces the development of transgender medicine across three centuries-centering the voices of transgender individuals, debunking myths about gender-affirming care, and empowering readers to grasp the complexities of this evolving field. More than forty contributors-including patients, advocates, physicians, psychologists, and scholars-weave an illuminating, sometimes surprising narrative of collaboration and conflict between trans people and the scientists who have studied and worked with them. An indispensable guide to understanding the current tumult surrounding trans health-care access in the United States, the volume underscores a crucial message: gender diversity is not a new phenomenon but an integral part of our shared human history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

In this discussion, Ben Snyder, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Williams College and author of *Spy Plane*, reveals the intricate dynamics of Baltimore's controversial aerial surveillance program. He shares insights from his direct observations within the tech startup running the initiative, illustrating the challenges of balancing public safety with privacy rights. Snyder explores community reactions, the dual nature of surveillance success and failure, and the constitutional implications surrounding the program, shedding light on the broader impacts of surveillance on society.

Stacy Lynn, an expert on Abraham Lincoln and editor of his papers for 25 years, discusses her book that uncovers the pivotal roles women played in Lincoln's life. She shares compelling essays about over 90 women, from family to friends, illustrating how they shaped his moral character and political ethos. The conversation highlights Lincoln's empathy toward women, his dedication to their concerns, and how he revolutionized their role in society. Lynn poignantly connects personal grief with historical narratives, advocating for women's presence in history.