New Books in Sociology

Gerald Roche, an Associate Professor at La Trobe University and head of research for the Linguistic Justice Foundation, delves into language oppression in Tibet. He illuminates how state policies are erasing minority languages like Manegacha, spoken by a small community facing uncertain survival. Roche discusses the broader implications of language rights and the strategic suppression by the Chinese government, calling for global activism to combat these issues. His research emphasizes the intersection of cultural identity and language, advocating for grassroots movements in support of linguistic diversity.

Benjamin Bradlow, an Associate Professor of Sociology at UC Berkeley, dives into urban inequalities and governance in São Paulo and Johannesburg. He discusses why São Paulo outperforms Johannesburg in delivering basic urban services despite similar democratic transitions. Through his fieldwork, he uncovers the conflicts between local governments and social movements that shape urban outcomes. Bradlow emphasizes the significance of effective coordination in urban governance, shedding light on global urbanization challenges and advocating for a more integrated understanding of urban sociology.

Nora Gross, an Assistant Professor of Education at Barnard College, dives into the hidden toll of gun violence on Black boys and their schools. She shares the heartbreaking story of JahSun and the grief experienced by his peers, emphasizing the urgent need for societal awareness. Gross discusses her journey as a teacher witnessing loss, the emotional impact on school communities, and the importance of communal support. With valuable insights into racial dynamics and institutional responses, she advocates for fostering healing environments in education.

The 9/11 attacks, as well as the ones in Madrid, London, Paris and Brussels; the genocides in Nazi Germany, Rwanda and Cambodia; the torture in dictatorial regimes; the wars in former Yugoslavia, Syria and Iraq and currently in Ukraine; the sexual violence during periods of conflict, all make us wonder: why would anyone do something like that? Who are these people? Drawing on 30 years of research, Alette Smeulers explores the perpetrators of mass atrocities such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and terrorism. Examining questions of why people kill and torture and how mass atrocities can be explained, Smeulers presents a typology of perpetrators, with different ranks, roles and motives. Devoting one chapter to each type of perpetrator, Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal? (Routledge, 2023) combines insights from academic research with illustrative case studies of well-known perpetrators, from dictators to middlemen, to lower ranking officials and terrorists. Their stories are explored in depth as the book examines their behaviour and motivation. Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities thus provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes of extreme mass violence. Such knowledge not only can help the international criminal justice system to be able to attribute blame in a fairer way but can also assist in preventing such atrocities being committed on the current scale. Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities is essential reading for all those interested in war crimes, genocide, terrorism and mass violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Climate change is among the most significant challenges facing modern society, and it impacts everyone across the world. How do people in different socio-cultural contexts perceive the climate crisis, and how willing are they to engage in climate-related action? In this episode, we will compare perceptions about climate change and willingness for climate action in South Korea and Finland, two countries that represent very different cultural backgrounds. Dr. Jingoo Kang and Dr. Sakari Tolppanen from the University of Eastern Finland introduce their cross-cultural comparative research on willingness for climate action among students in South Korea and Finland.This episode is produced with the support of the Otto A. Malm Foundation, and it relates to the Finland-Korea Symposium organised in 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and the Republic of Korea.Dr. Jingoo Kang is an Academy Research Fellow at the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education at the University of Eastern Finland. Dr. Sakari Tolppanen is a Senior Researcher at the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education at the University of Eastern Finland.Ari-Joonas Pitkänen is a Doctoral Researcher at the Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku.The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland) and Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Norwegian Network for Asian Studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Dr. Jennifer Greenburg, a political geographer and lecturer at the University of Sheffield, dives into her book on how U.S. military strategies post-9/11 interweave gender politics with humanitarian efforts. She examines the paradox of all-female teams used in military operations, revealing how they navigate a space of empowerment and combat. Greenburg critiques liberal feminist narratives that celebrate these roles while unpacking how these dynamics reinforce gender stereotypes. Her insights highlight the complex relationship between feminism, militarism, and imperialism.

Jonathon Wilson-Hartgrove, a writer, preacher, and moral activist at Yale Divinity School, tackles the myths linking race and poverty in America. He reveals the overlooked reality of white poverty, examining its historical roots and political consequences. Through compelling anecdotes, he reflects on his journey toward a faith intertwined with social justice, advocating for unity among diverse racial groups. Wilson-Hartgrove also addresses the role of religion in movements for justice and the complex views on gun control within pro-life narratives.

David Lyon, a leading expert on surveillance and former Director of the Surveillance Studies Centre, discusses the pervasive nature of surveillance in today's world. He dives into how technologies like smartphones and facial recognition have evolved, framing the ethical dilemmas they pose. From the convenience of biometric systems in travel to the challenges of surveillance capitalism, Lyon highlights the implications for personal privacy. The conversation also sheds light on the historical context and urgent need for a balanced perspective on the benefits and risks of surveillance.

Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, an Associate Professor and clinical counselor, discusses her enlightening book that serves as a healing guide for Asian immigrant children. She delves into the historical and cultural factors shaping Asian American experiences, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness. Litam critiques the model minority myth and advocates for decolonizing mental health practices. She highlights the role of literature in generational healing, promoting community support over individualism. Her insights foster a deeper understanding of identity and resilience.

In a fascinating discussion, Steven Shapin, Professor emeritus of the history of science at Harvard, delves into the intertwined history of food and identity. He explores how eating has evolved from moral and dietary practices to a focus solely on health. Shapin contrasts traditional dietetics with modern nutrition science, revealing how industrialization reshaped our understanding of food. He encourages a deeper appreciation of everyday dining experiences, urging listeners to reconsider the cultural narratives woven into our meals.