New Books in Sociology
New Books Network
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 21, 2025 • 49min
Audun Kjus et al., "Adventures in the Play-Ritual Continuum" (Utah State UP, 2024)
Audun Kjus, a folklorist and cultural historian, discusses his work on the interplay between play and ritual. He reveals how marriage proposals blend tradition with modernity, highlighting both celebration and commitment. Kjus explores how everyday rituals carry deeper societal meanings and reflects on the importance of improvisation in community experiences. The conversation touches on unique cultural practices, like lutefisk in Scandinavian-American culture, and anticipates future research implications in understanding identity through play and ritual.
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 45min
Eugene W. Holland, "Perversions of the Market: Sadism, Masochism, and the Culture of Capitalism" (SUNY Press, 2024)
Eugene W. Holland, Professor Emeritus of Comparative Studies at The Ohio State University and author of 'Perversions of the Market,' discusses how capitalism institutionalizes sadism and masochism. He connects these dynamics to everyday life, revealing moral paradoxes, such as those faced by marginalized individuals. The conversation also touches on the interplay between identity and consumerism, critiques of traditional structures, and the challenges of adapting capitalism in a rapidly changing world. Holland calls for significant societal changes to confront these issues.
Feb 20, 2025 • 47min
Claire C. Robison, "Bringing Krishna Back to India" (Oxford UP, 2024)
Claire C. Robison, an Assistant Professor of Religion and Asian Studies at Bowdoin College, dives into the intriguing world of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in India. She unpacks how this once-marginal movement has evolved to attract diverse, urban devotees in Mumbai. Robison discusses the balance between tradition and innovation, illustrating ISKCON's blend of conservative teachings with contemporary lifestyles. She highlights the movement's engagement through modernization, social media, and its impact on identity within India's vibrant, globalized landscape.
Feb 19, 2025 • 57min
The Anxious Generation: A Conversation with Jonathan Haidt
In a thought-provoking discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist and author, explores the mental health crisis impacting today’s youth, as highlighted in his book, "The Anxious Generation." He examines how the digital landscape, particularly social media, has reshaped self-identity and fueled anxiety among Generation Z. Haidt also delves into the challenges of a defensive mindset stifling democratic engagement and mutual respect. He emphasizes the need for resilience-building and meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
5 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 59min
Aidan McGarry, "Political Voice: Protest, Democracy, and Marginalised Groups" (Oxford UP, 2024)
Aidan McGarry, a Professor of international politics at Loughborough University, shares profound insights into marginalized communities' struggle for political voice. He introduces an innovative framework of autonomy, representation, and constitution, illustrating it with case studies of LGBTIQ activists in India and Roma mobilization in Europe. McGarry highlights the vital role of protest in democratic processes and the complexities of identity within activism, emphasizing that silence can also serve as a powerful mode of expression in the fight for recognition.
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 16min
Carl Waitz, "Youth Mental Health Crises and the Broken Social Link: A Freudian-Lacanian Perspective" (Routledge, 2024)
Dr. Carl Waitz, an attending psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital and faculty at Harvard Medical School, delves into youth mental health crises in his new book. He discusses alarming statistics, including rising suicide rates among adolescents. The conversation explores how social media shapes youth identity, the relevance of initiation rites, and the impact of consumer capitalism. Waitz emphasizes the necessity of supportive environments and psychoanalytic approaches to navigate these challenges, blending personal insight with professional expertise.
Feb 16, 2025 • 57min
Joshua Barker, "State of Fear: Policing a Postcolonial City" (Duke UP, 2024)
Joshua Barker, a Professor of anthropology at the University of Toronto, explores policing in Bandung, Indonesia, through his latest work. He discusses how fear and violence shape the city’s governance and the historical roots of societal fear. Barker sheds light on the unique role of neighborhood watches and informal authority figures. He also examines the impact of communication technologies on modern policing. His insights reveal the messy interplay between urban order and community dynamics against a backdrop of colonial legacies.
Feb 15, 2025 • 42min
Joseph Straus, "Cultural Narratives of Old Age in the Lives, Work, and Reception of Old Musicians" (Routledge, 2024)
Joseph Straus, a Distinguished Professor of Music at CUNY, shares insights from his new book on the cultural narratives surrounding aging musicians. He discusses how older artists challenge ageist stereotypes, revealing that aging can enhance creativity. The conversation explores the importance of recognizing older musicians' contributions and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to rethink aging's role in music. Additionally, it highlights how societal attitudes marginalize older characters in opera and emphasizes the unique perspectives that older musicians bring to the arts.
Feb 15, 2025 • 40min
Briony Hannell, "Feminist Fandom: Media Fandom, Digital Feminisms, and Tumblr" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
Briony Hannell, a Lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester, delves into the captivating relationship between fan culture and feminism, particularly on Tumblr. She discusses how digital communities shape feminist identities and narratives. Expect insights on the inclusive and exclusive dynamics within fandoms and the transformative impact of social media on feminist discourse. Hannell also reflects on the evolution of these communities, illustrating the shift from Tumblr's prominence to the emergence of platforms like TikTok in contemporary feminist discussions.
Feb 15, 2025 • 47min
Luiz Valério P. Trindade, "Hate Speech and Abusive Behaviour on Social Media: A Cross-Cultural Perspective" (Vernon Press, 2024)
Luiz Valério P. Trindade, a PhD in sociology and expert on online hate speech, dives deep into the global impact of social media. He explores the cultural nuances influencing online abuse across the Hispanophone, Portuguesophone, and Italianophone regions. The conversation uncovers how gender, race, and political movements shape hate speech narratives, particularly in Brazil. Trindade also addresses cyberbullying in Italy and the urgent need for legal reforms. His insights highlight the complex interplay between online behavior and societal prejudices.
