New Books in Sociology

Kevin Passmore, a historian specializing in fascism and the French right, dives deep into the ambitious yet ultimately flawed Maginot Line. He reveals intricate details about its impressive engineering, the lives of soldiers manning the forts, and the diverse roles of foreign labor in its construction. Passmore challenges misconceptions surrounding its purpose, emphasizing its historical impact on local communities and military strategy despite France's quick defeat during WWII. Join the discussion to unpack the myths and human stories behind this monumental project.

Simon James Copland, an Honorary Fellow at the Australian National University, dives into the troubling world of the online Manosphere in his insightful examination. He discusses how figures like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson shape anti-feminist narratives, and explores the historical scapegoating of women during societal crises. Copland critiques simplistic views on masculinity, emphasizing the need for nuanced dialogue to address male grievances and combat rising nationalism. His work prompts essential conversations on fostering understanding and community engagement amid this complex issue.

Chelsi West Ohueri, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, dives into her groundbreaking work on race in Albania. She explores how historical contexts shape racial identities and perceptions, particularly in a post-communist landscape. The discussion covers the complexities of hospitality and its role in identity performance. Ohueri sheds light on the marginalization of the Roma and Egyptian communities, illustrating the ongoing relevance of racial dynamics in today’s Albania, all while challenging the Western-centric views of race.

Anna Strhan, a Reader in Sociology at the University of York, and Rachael Shillitoe, a senior social scientist, dive into the fascinating landscape of non-religious childhoods in England. They discuss how children today form their identities and values without traditional religious frameworks. The conversation explores the dynamics between parents and kids regarding beliefs, the impact of education on non-religious views, and how these shifts affect children's moral development. They also touch on future research directions in understanding secular identities.

In this insightful discussion, Stephanie K. Kim, a comparative and international higher education scholar at Georgetown University, challenges the myths surrounding international student mobility. She reveals how universities shape recruitment pathways, particularly focusing on the dynamics between U.S. and South Korean institutions. The conversation dives into the role of education agents, the economic motivations behind recruitment, and the nuanced realities faced by international students. Kim also discusses the impact of geopolitical tensions on university funding and student experiences.

May Friedman, a Professor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University, dives into the fascinating realm of Fat Studies, outlining its impact on societal perceptions of body image. She unpacks myths surrounding fatness as a site of oppression and challenges the idea that being fat is a choice. The discussion spans the intersections of race, gender, and health, while celebrating fat activism as a powerful form of resistance. Friedman also emphasizes the need for compassionate dialogue and positive representations of fat lives in media and society.

Ruth E. Toulson, an anthropologist and trained mortician, explores the necropolitics in Singapore, revealing how state policies reshape ancestral traditions into a controlled form of Buddhism. She discusses the emotional turmoil caused by forced exhumations and the political contestation surrounding cemeteries. The conversation highlights personal grief against societal expectations, particularly a father's heartache over his daughter's suicide, and the complex dynamics of mourning rituals that reflect deeper issues of identity and colonial legacies in a rapidly changing society.

Santiago Zabala, an ICREA Research Professor of Philosophy at Pompeu Fabra University, discusses his latest book, which delves into the significance of warnings in navigating crises. He emphasizes that warnings are not predictions but reflections on current issues like gender, climate change, and machine warfare. Zabala explores interpretations of warnings in art, critiques the dangers of uncritical AI adoption, and highlights Greta Thunberg's emotional activism. The conversation urges a transformative approach to listening and rethinking society’s response to crises.

In this engaging discussion, Helen C. Epstein, a public health researcher and writer from Bard College, explores the unsettling phenomenon of suicide epidemics. She delves into how profound social ruptures, rather than just mental illness, trigger spikes in suicide rates across various communities. The conversation touches on the isolating effects of modernization, particularly in post-communist Russia and Micronesia, and examines the intricate connections between trauma, resilience, and community support in combating mental health crises.

Maddalena Cerrato, Assistant Professor of Critical Theory, sheds light on Michel Foucault's practical philosophy, arguing for its relevance in analyzing freedom and power dynamics today. She critiques conventional interpretations of Foucault's work, emphasizing the continuity of his thoughts on subjectivity. The discussion explores Foucault's impact on ethics, self-care, and individual transformation, while addressing the complexities surrounding his legacy in modern contexts. Cerrato encourages a deeper engagement with Foucault's ideas to navigate contemporary issues effectively.