New Books in Sociology

Nathan McGovern, Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, delves into the complexities of Thai religious practices in his upcoming work, "Holy Things: The Genealogy of the Sacred in Thai Religion." He challenges the perception of syncretism in Thai Buddhism, revealing the deep connections between local spirits, Hinduism, and Buddhism. McGovern also discusses how modern influences reshape these ancient beliefs and the commercialization of Buddhism, prompting a vital conversation about maintaining spiritual integrity in contemporary society.

Luci Pangrazio, a senior lecturer in language and literacy education, teams up with Neil Selwyn to discuss their book on critical data literacies. They explore how data shapes our lives and the importance of fostering a critical understanding of it. The conversation touches on data justice, algorithmic bias, and the urgent need for educational reform that prioritizes data literacy. Pangrazio emphasizes empowering individuals to reclaim agency in a data-driven world, advocating for community engagement and tailored support across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Jarrett Zigon, a social theorist and anthropologist at the University of Virginia, discusses his groundbreaking book on relational ethics. He explores how our connections shape moral understanding in a complex world. Zigon emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in shaping ethical knowledge and addresses pressing issues like climate change and AI ethics. The conversation bridges individual experiences with broader societal challenges, advocating for a more nuanced approach to justice in a diverse moral landscape. Zigon's insights encourage us to rethink ethical frameworks for modern dilemmas.

Dariusz Brzeziński, Tom Campbell, and Jack Palmer, experts on Zygmunt Bauman, dive into his newly published works that reveal previously unknown essays and translations. They discuss Bauman's influence on sociology, emphasizing his humanistic project and the ‘Camus-Gramsci-Mills axis’ that shapes his thought. The role of translation in making his Polish writings accessible is highlighted, alongside Bauman’s relevance in contemporary discussions on disability and digital sociology. Their insights illuminate Bauman's legacy and its continual evolution within the social sciences.

Nathanael Homewood, Associate Director of Religious Studies at the University of Minnesota, specializes in global Christianity and African religion. He dives into the unique intersection of deliverance, demons, and sexuality in Ghanaian Pentecostalism. Homewood explores how the practices of casting out sexual demons reveal societal attitudes towards sexuality. He discusses the embodied experiences of participants in deliverance rituals, particularly focusing on LGBTQ identities and the complexities of ethics in representation. The conversation unpacks the transformative role of spirits in shaping personal and community identities.

In a fascinating conversation, Carrie M. Lane, Chair and Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton, delves into the world of professional organizing. She explores how this female-dominated profession emerged and adapted in a modern context, shedding light on gender dynamics and the emotional depth involved in decluttering. Lane discusses the nuances of client relationships and the evolving landscape shaped by the pandemic, while critiquing society's overconsumption and the complexities of managing inherited possessions.

Sandhya Fuchs, a legal anthropologist and lecturer at Bristol University, explores the critical themes of hate crimes and justice in India. She delves into her motivations for writing 'Fragile Hope,' blending personal narratives with academic insights. Fuchs highlights the challenges faced by Dalit communities under the Prevention of Atrocities Act and the complexities of caste and gender in the legal systems. Through stories of survivors, she reveals the struggles for justice and the 'fragile hope' that drives marginalized communities to seek change despite systemic obstacles.

Shehnaz Haqqani, an assistant professor at Mercer University and author of "Feminism, Tradition and Change in Contemporary Islam," discusses the evolving landscape of Islamic law and gender. She highlights how certain legal rulings, like child marriage, can be negotiated, while others, such as women's interfaith marriages, face resistance. Haqqani emphasizes the importance of personal agency and the intersection of tradition with modern values, delving into the complexities of gender justice in contemporary Islam.

Timothy Gitzen, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Wake Forest University, delves into the complexities of queer identity in South Korea amidst national security concerns. He explores how queer Koreans are perceived as viral threats in a context of ongoing militarization. Gitzen discusses mundane acts of resistance against stigma and the impact of COVID-19 on the queer community. He highlights the intertwining of nationalism and security, as well as the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ activists in reclaiming their narratives against societal and governmental pressures.

Lucy Noakes, a Professor of modern history at the University of Essex and president of the Royal Historical Society, delves into the profound themes of death and grief during WWII Britain. She explores how societal attitudes towards mourning evolved, contrasting expressions of loss from the First and Second World Wars. The conversation also touches on governmental policies for managing civilian deaths, public mourning rituals, and the shifting narratives of remembrance influenced by colonial perspectives, revealing the complex interplay of personal grief and collective memory.