New Books in Sociology

On the podcast today I am joined by Christof Lammer, a social anthropologist based at the University of Klagenfurt and inherit fellow at Humboldt University of Berlin. Christof is joining me to talk about his new book, Performing State Boundaries: Food Networks, Democratic Bureaucracy and China published in Open Access by Berghahn Books in 2024.The book delves into intricate political processes in an eco-village in Sichuan, revealing the multiple ways in which the boundary between state and non-state is performed. It shows how, in these performances, competing images of the Chinese state’s authoritarian, socialist and cultural otherness are mobilized to shape social policy and the transition to ecological agriculture in unexpected ways. Scholars working on China or the anthropology of the state more generally will find the book eye-opening, with its rich theoretical discussions and deep analytical insights, all based on fine-grained ethnography. Performing State Boundaries: Food Networks, Democratic Bureaucracy and China is Open Access and available to download free on the Berghahn Books website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Michael Rosino, an assistant professor at Malloy University, dives into the complex dynamics of grassroots political organizing in America. He discusses how progressive groups often fail to achieve racial equity due to the reluctance of white members to share power. With insights from his ethnographic research, he highlights the paradox of predominantly white organizations advocating for inclusivity. Rosino emphasizes the importance of multiracial coalitions to overcome barriers to inclusion and strengthen grassroots democracy.

Agnieszka Pasieka, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Montreal, discusses her book on far-right youth activism in Europe. She delves into the radical nationalism gripping the continent, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of these young activists. Unpacking the intricate dynamics of their movements, Pasieka highlights the blend of local identities and transnational influences. She also explores gender roles within these groups, emphasizing the complexities of individuality and morality in a divisive political landscape.

How do corporations use theater to reconcile the crises of late capitalism? In our latest interview on Ethnographic Marginalia, we speak with Dr. Sarah Saddler about her new book Performing Corporate Bodies (Routledge, 2024), where she describes how corporations have borrowed techniques from activist theater to manage their workers in India and beyond. Sarah explains how she came to ethnographic techniques from a theater background, before discussing how she managed the challenges and misunderstandings caused by her identity as a western researcher. And finally, she describes how doing performance ethnography helped her understand how individuals play roles, not just in theater, but everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Mingwei Huang, an Assistant Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Dartmouth College, explores the complexities of racial capitalism in South Africa influenced by Chinese economic activities. He discusses the nuanced power dynamics between Chinese entrepreneurs and African migrant workers, emphasizing how these relations perpetuate historical legacies of colonialism and white supremacy. Huang sheds light on sojourner colonialism, the complexities of migration, and critiques traditional neo-colonial narratives, challenging listeners to rethink Sino-African interactions in the context of global capitalism.

Aaron Kupchik, a sociology professor and author of "Suspended Education," unpacks the harmful effects of school suspensions, particularly on Black students. He discusses how suspensions disrupt education without improving behavior and reveals their historical roots tied to racial injustice post-desegregation. Kupchik illustrates the impact of implicit racial bias through compelling stories, urging a shift from punitive practices to restorative methods. His research highlights the need for reform to better support marginalized communities in the educational system.

Laura Miller, an author and professor specializing in the intersections of religion, gender, and popular culture in Japan, offers fascinating insights into the world of occult hunting and supernatural play. She discusses how younger women are pivotal in this emerging cultural phenomenon, shaping a unique industry that intertwines spirituality and entertainment. The conversation uncovers the social value of divination practices, their role in self-exploration, and the evolution of traditional beliefs within contemporary society, emphasizing personal empowerment and community.

Ysabel Gerrard, a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield, discusses the nuanced digital lives of young people. She challenges common myths and reveals the complexities of online interactions, emphasizing both their potential and pitfalls. The conversation delves into issues like anonymity, body image, and the role of social media in youth mental health. It also highlights innovative research methods that capture how teenagers navigate these digital spaces, offering fresh insights into their experiences.

Dána-Ain Davis and Christa Craven, experts in urban studies and feminist ethnography, explore how feminist perspectives reshape research methodologies. They discuss the critical role of community engagement and art in enhancing academic perspectives, as well as the significance of amplifying marginalized voices. The conversation dives into the evolution of feminist ethnography and its capacity to challenge traditional power structures, all while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative potential of their collaborative work.

In this conversation, Asad L. Asad, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Stanford University and author of Engage and Evade, sheds light on the experiences of Latino immigrant families in the U.S. He reveals how many undocumented individuals navigate governmental institutions, hoping for positive outcomes despite their precarious status. Asad emphasizes the importance of diverse motivations behind immigration—practical and emotional alike—and advocates for a shift in public perception to focus on the shared struggles of all working-class Americans.