New Books in Sociology

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Dec 22, 2024 • 1h 12min

Emily Mitchell-Eaton, "New Destinations of Empire: Mobilities, Racial Geographies, and Citizenship in the Transpacific United States" (U Georgia Press, 2024)

Emily Mitchell-Eaton, an Assistant Professor of Geography at Colgate University, dives deep into U.S. imperialism's effects on migration, particularly for Marshall Islanders. She reveals how the Compact of Free Association offers unique migration rights while perpetuating power dynamics. Mitchell-Eaton discusses the surprising migration of Marshallese to formerly all-white Springdale, Arkansas, intertwining race, citizenship, and labor in her analysis. Her research sheds light on the complex lived experiences of these communities and the geopolitical influences shaping their narratives.
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Dec 21, 2024 • 60min

Melissa Johnston, "Building Peace, Rebuilding Patriarchy: The Failure of Gender Interventions in Timor-Leste" (Oxford UP, 2023)

Melissa Johnston, a Lecturer in peace and conflict studies at the University of Queensland, dives into the complexities of gender interventions in Timor-Leste. She criticizes the uneven outcomes of programs like microfinance and gender-responsive budgeting, arguing they often reinforce existing patriarchal structures. Johnston emphasizes the importance of understanding local contexts and the interplay of political and economic forces. Her insights urge a reevaluation of peacebuilding strategies to genuinely empower women in post-conflict settings.
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Dec 20, 2024 • 40min

Hannah Gould et al., "Death and Funeral Practices in Japan" (Routledge, 2024)

Hannah Gould, a cultural anthropologist from the University of Melbourne, dives into Japan's rich yet evolving funeral practices. She discusses the blend of deep traditions like ancestor veneration with modern trends such as 'tree burials' and 'eternal memorial graves.' Gould highlights how urbanization and smaller family sizes impact these customs, creating new challenges and innovations in mourning. She also examines the significance of Buddhist beliefs in cremation rituals, showcasing a culture that honors the past while adapting to contemporary realities.
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Dec 20, 2024 • 44min

Neil Atkinson, "Transformer: Klopp, the Revolution of a Club and Culture" (Canongate, 2024)

Neil Atkinson, host of The Anfield Wrap and author of "Transformer: Klopp, the Revolution of a Club and Culture," dives into how Jurgen Klopp transformed Liverpool Football Club and its culture. He discusses the financial dynamics in English football and innovative ideas for restructuring the league. Atkinson reflects on how Klopp's personal traits and genuine presence influenced his coaching success, while also addressing the global concerns of fan engagement and the impact of commercialism in the sport.
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Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 5min

Nathan McGovern, "Holy Things: The Genealogy of the Sacred in Thai Religion" (Oxford UP, 2024)

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.
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Dec 19, 2024 • 38min

Luci Pangrazio and Neil Selwyn, "Critical Data Literacies: Rethinking Data and Everyday Life" (MIT Press, 2023)

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.
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Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 22min

Jarrett Zigon, "How Is It Between Us?: Relational Ethics and Care for the World" (HAU Books, 2023)

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.
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Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 2min

Zygmunt Bauman, "Theory and Society" (Polity, 2024)

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.
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Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 3min

Nathanael Homewood, "Seductive Spirits: Deliverance, Demons, and Sexual Worldmaking in Ghanaian Pentecostalism" (Stanford UP, 2024)

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.
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Dec 14, 2024 • 1h 45min

Sandhya Fuchs, "Fragile Hope: Seeking Justice for Hate Crimes in India" (Stanford UP, 2024)

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.

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