New Books in Sociology

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 20min

Beth Linker on Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America

Beth Linker, a historian and the Samuel H. Preston Endowed Term Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses her book 'Slouch: Postural Panic in Modern America.' The conversation delves into the historical evolution of posture and its deep connections to societal issues such as racism and eugenics. Linker examines how perceptions of posture shape health views and cultural anxieties, reflecting on the intersection of social class and physical appearance. They also explore the implications of the American Posture League and the need for better collaboration in pain management.
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Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 4min

Jeremy Morris, "Everyday Politics in Russia: From Resentment to Resistance" (Bloomsbury Academic, 2025)

Jeremy Morris, an ethnographer specializing in Russia, offers a unique perspective on the sentiments of ordinary Russians in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. He explores the concept of micropolitics, revealing how personal experiences shape civic engagement. Morris discusses the complexities of social relationships in various Russian communities, highlighting the impact of economic shifts and activism, especially during wartime. His insights challenge common perceptions of authoritarianism and showcase the resilience and diverse attitudes of the Russian populace.
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Jun 2, 2025 • 50min

Robert Garland, "What to Expect When You're Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife" (Princeton UP, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Robert Garland, an Emeritus professor from Colgate University specializing in ancient cultures, delves into intriguing death-related beliefs across diverse civilizations. He humorously shares how ancient peoples navigated questions of the afterlife, leading to fascinating burial customs and perceptions of judgment. Listeners will learn about the societal roles surrounding funerals, the balance between tradition and practicality, and how ideas of hell evolved over time. It's a captivating tour through humanity's timeless quest to understand death.
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Jun 2, 2025 • 31min

Jessica Vasquez-Tokos, "Burdens of Belonging: Race in an Unequal Nation" (NYU Press, 2025)

Jessica Vasquez-Tokos, a Sociology professor at the University of Oregon, explores the intricate dynamics of race and belonging in America. She discusses the ramifications of being viewed as a 'problem' and dives into personal narratives that illustrate how racialized identities shape experiences and aspirations. The conversation also highlights the historical context of racial inclusion, focusing on diverse communities like Indigenous, Latino, and Vietnamese Americans. Vasquez-Tokos emphasizes the need for empathy and institutional change to embrace inclusivity and address systemic inequalities.
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5 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 27min

Jaime Lee Kucinskas, "The Loyalty Trap: Conflicting Loyalties of Civil Servants Under Increasing Autocracy" (Columbia UP, 2025)

Jaime Lee Kucinskas, an Associate Professor at Hamilton College, dives into the intricate loyalties of civil servants amid political turmoil. She reveals the moral dilemmas faced during the Trump administration, highlighting their struggle between serving the public and navigating chaotic governance. Kucinskas shares insights on the concept of 'loyal dissent' and the critical value of institutional knowledge, stressing how these dynamics shape effective public policy in times of rising autocracy.
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May 31, 2025 • 48min

Michael D. Gambone, "The New Praetorians: American Veterans, Society, and Service from Vietnam to the Forever War" (U Massachusetts Press, 2021)

Michael D. Gambone, a professor and author specializing in veterans' history, dives into the unique challenges faced by American veterans in society today. He discusses the profound disconnect between the celebrated image of veterans and the misunderstandings that often accompany it. Gambone explores the evolving GI Bill's impact on education, the specific struggles women face within the VA system, and the complex relationship between veterans and popular culture. He emphasizes the need for better integration of veterans into civilian life and the significant role they play in American social history.
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May 28, 2025 • 52min

Krista N. Dalton, "How Rabbis Became Experts: Social Circles and Donor Networks in Jewish Late Antiquity" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Krista N. Dalton, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Kenyon College, explores how early rabbis emerged as experts in Jewish Late Antiquity. She discusses the significant role of social relationships and donor networks that shaped rabbinic authority beyond mere scholarship. Dalton reveals how everyday interactions, like dinner parties, bolstered their status and expertise. She also humorously examines the complex hospitality practices that intertwined financial support with rabbinic integrity, shedding light on the enduring dynamics of trust and recognition.
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May 27, 2025 • 44min

Samuel Western, "The Spirit of 1889: Restoring the Lost Promise of the High Plains and Northern Rockies" (UP of Kansas)

In this engaging discussion, journalist and educator Samuel Western shares insights from his work, including his recent book. He dives into the transformative year of 1889, revealing how progressive values once flourished in the American West, such as women’s voting rights and anti-monopoly laws. Western explores the contradiction between those ideals and today's hyper-individualism, advocating for a shift toward sustainable agriculture and community stewardship. It's a thought-provoking examination of history, politics, and the potential for change in the High Plains and Northern Rockies.
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May 25, 2025 • 2h 39min

Dmitri N. Shalin, "Erving Manuel Goffman: Biographical Sources of Sociological Imagination" (Routledge, 2024)

Dmitri N. Shalin, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Nevada, sheds light on the enigmatic life of Erving Goffman, one of sociology's greats. They explore Goffman's immigrant roots and how personal tragedies shaped his sociological theories. Shalin discusses the significance of the Erving Goffman Archives in revealing Goffman's insights on mental health, identity, and social dynamics. The conversation dives into Goffman’s evolving perspectives on gender and the poignant impact of his wife’s struggles on his work, providing a rich, humanized view of the scholar.
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May 24, 2025 • 16min

Erin Pritchard, "Midgetism: The Exploitation and Discrimination of People with Dwarfism" (Routledge, 2023)

In this interview, Erin Pritchard, a Senior Lecturer at Liverpool Hope University and expert in disability studies, delves into her groundbreaking work on midgetism. She uncovers the pervasive exploitation and discrimination faced by people with dwarfism, challenging societal assumptions that support harmful stereotypes. Pritchard critiques the concept of 'midget entertainment,' contrasting it with respectful representations. She emphasizes the need for inclusivity, particularly in environments designed for non-normate individuals, to foster understanding and acceptance.

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