New Books in Sociology

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Apr 14, 2025 • 54min

Dána-Ain Davis and Christa Craven, "Feminist Ethnography: Thinking Through Methodologies, Challenges, and Possibilities" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022)

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.
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Apr 13, 2025 • 52min

Engage and Evade in 2025: Asad L. Asad on Latino Immigrants in America

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.
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8 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 40min

Keith J. Hayward, "Infantilised: How Our Culture Killed Adulthood" (Constable & Robinson, 2025)

Keith Hayward, Professor of Criminology at Copenhagen University, dives into the curious phenomenon of infantilization in contemporary culture. He discusses how modern society blurs the lines of adulthood, with adults increasingly adopting childish behaviors while youth tackle adult challenges early. Hayward critiques the impact of political 'infantocrats' and the evolution of academic standards that prioritize comfort over rigor. He offers humorous anecdotes and thoughtful suggestions for navigating this infantilized landscape, advocating for a positive re-evaluation of adulthood.
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8 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 38min

James Davison Hunter, "Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America's Political Crisis" (Yale UP, 2024)

James Davison Hunter, Labros Levinson Distinguished Professor of Religion, Culture, and Social Theory, dives deep into America’s political crisis. He explores how historical sources of national solidarity have eroded, leading to stark political polarization. The podcast highlights the role of cultural conflicts rather than mere economic issues in this turmoil. Hunter also examines myths of unity, the impact of American exceptionalism on identity, and the limitations of secular humanism in fostering solidarity amid rising nihilism.
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Apr 10, 2025 • 51min

Sam Wetherell, "Liverpool and the Unmaking of Britain" (Bloomsbury, 2025)

Sam Wetherell, a Senior Lecturer at the University of York and author, dives into the complex history of Liverpool. He discusses how the city's narrative reveals both state neglect and inspiring community solidarity. Key topics include the impact of technology on dock work, the overlooked roles of women and marginalized communities, and the evolution of public health responses. Wetherell offers Liverpool as a lens to understand broader societal challenges in Britain, blending stories of resistance and resilience amid change.
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Apr 9, 2025 • 53min

Ståle Holgersen, "Against the Crisis: Economy and Ecology in a Burning World" (Verso, 2024)

Ståle Holgersen, a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Stockholm University, tackles the intricate relationship between economic and ecological crises in his new book. He argues that these crises are not anomalies but fundamental to capitalism's operation, urging a reevaluation of how we understand them. Holgersen emphasizes the need for systemic change rather than viewing crises as opportunities for reform. He also touches on the intersection of wealth disparity and climate challenges, showcasing how marginalized communities are most affected by these intertwined crises.
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Apr 8, 2025 • 45min

Chiara Calzana and Valentina Gamberi, "Haunting Ruins: Ethnographies of Ruination and Decay" (Berghahn Books, 2025)

Valentina Gamberi, an anthropologist specializing in material culture, and Chiara Calzana, a researcher in historical anthropology, delve into the evocative theme of ruins and decay. They discuss how ruins serve as dynamic spaces reflecting resilience, memory, and identity. The conversation highlights the interplay between personal narratives and broader historical contexts, emphasizing how these decaying structures become sites of collective memory and resistance. Their ethnographic studies unveil the powerful connections between heritage and social realities.
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Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 6min

Anna Maria Busse Berger and Henry Spiller, "Missionaries, Anthropologists, and Music in the Indonesian Archipelago" (U California Press, 2025)

Anna Maria Busse Berger, a distinguished music professor, and Henry Spiller, an ethnomusicologist from UC Davis, explore the intricate relationship between missionaries and local music in Indonesia. They reveal how some missionaries preserved while others suppressed musical traditions, reflecting colonial biases. The discussion highlights their collaborative research, emphasizing the need to decolonize music histories and the role of mission archives in documenting cultural exchanges. Their new open-access publication aims to broaden access to Indonesian music narratives.
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Apr 6, 2025 • 43min

Adam J. Berinsky, "Political Rumors: Why We Accept Misinformation and How to Fight It" (Princeton UP, 2023)

In this engaging discussion, Adam J. Berinsky, Mitsui Professor of Political Science at MIT and director of the Political Experiments Research Lab, delves into the persistence of political rumors and misinformation. He explains how partisanship and conspiratorial thinking contribute to belief in false claims. The conversation highlights the role of political elites in spreading misinformation and the psychological factors that make everyone susceptible. Berinsky emphasizes the need for informed citizen engagement and empathetic communication to combat these damaging narratives.
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Apr 6, 2025 • 2h 2min

Tuomas Tammisto, "Hard Work: Producing Places, Relations and Value on a Papua New Guinea Resource Frontier" (Helsinki UP, 2024)

Tuomas Tammisto, a socio-cultural anthropologist and research fellow at Tampere University, dives into his book exploring the complex lives of the Mengen people in Papua New Guinea. He discusses their intricate relationships with land, resource extraction, and external influences like NGOs and corporations. Tammisto also highlights the cultural significance of traditional lament songs, the challenges of logging, and how communal labor shapes identity. The podcast reveals the delicate balance between environmental conservation and community needs in an ever-evolving socio-political landscape.

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