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.
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
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
Jan 10, 2025 • 51min
Jonathon Wilson-Hartgrove, "White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy" (Liveright, 2024)
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.
Jan 8, 2025 • 43min
Steven Shapin, "Eating and Being: A History of Ideas about Our Food and Ourselves" (U Chicago Press, 2024)
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.
Jan 8, 2025 • 60min
David Lyon, "Surveillance: A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford UP, 2024)
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.
Jan 8, 2025 • 27min
Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, "Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants" (Oxford UP, 2025)
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.
Jan 7, 2025 • 59min
Adam Elliott-Cooper, "Black Resistance to British Policing" (Manchester UP, 2021)
Adam Elliott-Cooper, a Lecturer in Public and Social Policy at Queen Mary University of London, delves into his book, exploring the activism behind movements like Black Lives Matter. He discusses how state racism challenges Britain's self-image, linking historical colonialism to contemporary policing issues. Elliott-Cooper analyzes the dynamics of youth activism in response to police violence, particularly focusing on Black women's roles in resistance. He advocates for community-led justice initiatives, emphasizing resilience against oppressive systems.
Jan 6, 2025 • 39min
Peter Mandler, "The Crisis of the Meritocracy: Britain's Transition to Mass Education Since the Second World War" (Oxford UP, 2020)
Peter Mandler, a Professor of Modern Cultural History at the University of Cambridge, dives into the transformation of Britain's education system since WWII. He discusses the shift from elitist meritocracy to a more democratic approach, highlighting the impact of the Butler Act and comprehensive schools. Mandler critiques the effectiveness of education in addressing social inequalities and argues that simply having education isn't enough to ensure social mobility. His insights shed light on the historical context and ongoing challenges within the British educational landscape.
4 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 43min
Devin Fergus, “Land of the Fee: Hidden Costs and the Decline of the American Middle Class” (Oxford UP, 2018)
Devin Fergus, an Arvarh E. Strickland Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri, dives deep into the hidden costs undermining the American middle class in his insightful discussion. He sheds light on how fees embedded in everyday transactions contribute to wealth inequality. Fergus connects these financial burdens to deregulation and critiques policies impacting housing, education, and employment. He also addresses the pitfalls of payday lending and reflects on economic mobility myths, revealing the harsh realities for many.
Jan 4, 2025 • 1h 6min
Nara Milanich, "Paternity: The Elusive Quest for the Father" (Harvard UP, 2019)
Nara Milanich, a Professor of history at Barnard College and author of "Paternity: The Elusive Quest for the Father," delves into the complex evolution of fatherhood. She argues that paternity is socially constructed rather than just a biological fact, influenced by historical and cultural contexts. Milanich discusses how pioneering paternity testing, particularly in Brazil, shaped societal views of fatherhood. She highlights the differing applications of paternity testing and its implications for marginalized groups, showcasing the intricate relationship between science, law, and family dynamics.
Jan 4, 2025 • 43min
Sujatha Fernandes, "Cuban Hustle: Culture, Politics, Everyday Life" (Duke, UP 2020)
Sujatha Fernandes, a sociologist and author of "Cuban Hustle: Culture, Politics, Everyday Life," explores the vibrant resilience of Cuban culture. She discusses personal narratives that reveal the complexities of contemporary Cuban society and the significance of the 'resolver' mentality in overcoming scarcity. Fernandes highlights innovative community-driven entrepreneurship projects and the contributions of the Afro-Cuban movement. Additionally, she tackles how COVID-19 has impacted Cuba, showcasing the nation's strong public health response amidst economic struggles.
Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
Fernando Domínguez Rubio, "Still Life: Ecologies of the Modern Imagination at the Art Museum" (U Chicago Press, 2020)
Fernando Domínguez Rubio, an Associate Professor at UC San Diego, dives into the fascinating world of art conservation in major museums. He discusses the daily challenges faced by conservators, from preserving contemporary artworks to navigating complex museum dynamics. Rubiio emphasizes the importance of teamwork and innovation in the preservation process, while exploring the ethical implications of fragility in art and life. His insights reveal how fragility shapes our understanding of cultural narratives and the role of museums in society.
