New Books in Sociology

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Dec 8, 2024 • 1h 8min

Stacy Torres, "At Home in the City: Growing Old in Urban America" (U California Press, 2025)

Stacy Torres, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at UCSF, dives deep into the complexities of aging in urban settings in her insightful conversation. She shares poignant observations from her five-year study of seniors in New York City, emphasizing their resilience amidst challenges like gentrification and health setbacks. The emotional farewell to a beloved bakery illustrates community bonds and social connections. Torres also advocates for reclaiming terms like 'old' to combat stigma, highlighting the vital role of public spaces in alleviating loneliness and fostering intergenerational ties.
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23 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 48min

Andy Hines, "Imagining After Capitalism" (Triarchy Press, 2025)

Andy Hines, Associate Professor at the University of Houston and seasoned futurist, explores envisioning a world beyond capitalism. He introduces three compelling ideas: a Circular Commons, a Non-Workers' Paradise, and Tech-Led Abundance, each encouraging dialogue around potential futures. Hines discusses the need for innovative economic models and how AI could shape societal structures. Emphasizing creativity and collaboration, he challenges the prevailing negativity and inspires hope for a sustainable, post-capitalist paradigm.
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Dec 6, 2024 • 1h 54min

George Steinmetz, "The Colonial Origins of Modern Social Thought: French Sociology and the Overseas Empire" (Princeton UP, 2024)

George Steinmetz, Charles Tilly Collegiate Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan, dives into the intertwining of colonialism and French sociology. He explores how colonial experiences shaped major thinkers like Pierre Bourdieu and the influence of sociologists in shaping colonial policies. Steinmetz discusses the concept of 'disciplinary amnesia', revealing the neglect of anti-colonial voices, and examines the role of sociology in healthcare and education during colonial rule. This thought-provoking conversation highlights the lasting impact of colonial legacies on social thought.
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Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 16min

Helena Hansen et al., "Whiteout: How Racial Capitalism Changed the Color of Opioids in America" (U California Press, 2023)

David Herzberg, co-author and historian specializing in drug policy's intersection with race and class, dives deep into the impact of racial capitalism on the opioid crisis. He discusses how a dual drug policy creates disparities, with punitive measures for marginalized communities versus compassionate care for the privileged. The conversation highlights the evolution of the opioid landscape, examines systemic issues like ignorance and privilege, and underscores the need for equitable interventions. Herzberg also emphasizes the power of narrative in reshaping public perceptions and combating stigma around addiction.
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Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 17min

Matthew Gardner Kelly, "Dividing the Public: School Finance and the Creation of Structural Inequity" (Cornell UP, 2024)

Matthew Gardner Kelly, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, dives into the systemic inequities of public education funding. He discusses how local taxes have historically shaped disparities, particularly in California, linking education funding to racial and economic lines. Kelly explores the role of state policies in perpetuating these inequities, the impact of land appropriation on educational resources, and how historical narratives influence current funding practices. His insights shed light on the urgent need for funding reform to dismantle structural discrimination in education.
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Dec 4, 2024 • 58min

Alex Mayhew, "Making Sense of the Great War: Crisis, Englishness, and Morale on the Western Front" (Cambridge UP, 2024)

Join historian Alex Mayhew, an expert on the First World War, as he reveals the resilience of English infantrymen amidst the chaos of the Western Front. He explores how soldiers navigated their harrowing experiences, crafting meaningful narratives while enduring unprecedented hardships. Delve into the significance of morale, class distinctions, and the interplay between military culture and soldier perception. Discover how nostalgia for home and evolving ideas of duty shaped their identities during one of history's darkest chapters.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 40min

Laura C. Chávez-Moreno, "How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America" (Harvard Education Press, 2024)

Laura C. Chávez-Moreno, author and researcher, discusses how schools shape racial perceptions, particularly for Latinx students. She delves into the dual role of bilingual education as both an academic tool and a racial intervention, highlighting its historical roots and critiques. The conversation also tackles the complexities of Latinx identity in educational contexts, urging educators to embrace a deeper understanding of race. Ultimately, Dr. Chávez-Moreno calls for systemic changes to address educational inequities and the misconceptions surrounding racialization.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 1min

Victoria Soyan Peemot, "The Horse in My Blood: Multispecies Kinship in the Altai and Saian Mountains" (Berghahn Books, 2024)

Victoria Soyan Peemot, a cultural anthropologist at the University of Helsinki, delves into the deep connections between horses and pastoralists in the Altai and Saian Mountains. She shares insights on how these interspecies relationships shape community identity and resilience. The discussion highlights Tuvan cultural heritage, the intricate dynamics of insider and outsider identities in research, and the lasting impact of historical changes on these pastoral communities. With heartfelt anecdotes, Peemot illustrates the profound emotional ties that define human and horse kinship.
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Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 11min

Amy J. Binder and Jeffrey L. Kidder, "The Channels of Student Activism: How the Left and Right Are Winning (and Losing) in Campus Politics Today" (U Chicago Press, 2022)

Amy J. Binder is a sociology professor at Johns Hopkins, and Jeffrey L. Kidder teaches at Northern Illinois University, focusing on culture and meanings in life. They discuss how the right has successfully mobilized young activists on college campuses despite liberal dominance. Contrary to expectations, conservative groups benefit from strong national ties, funding, and post-graduation opportunities, while liberal organizations struggle to engage students beyond campus. The conversation reveals the complexities of student activism and the implications for future political landscapes.
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Dec 1, 2024 • 1h 21min

James T. White and John Punter, "Condoland: The Planning, Design, and Development of Toronto's CityPlace" (UBC Press, 2023)

James T. White, a Professor of Planning and Urban Design at the University of Glasgow, shares insights on Toronto's CityPlace, the city's largest residential megaproject. He reveals how political and economic shifts influenced its development, drawing parallels with Vancouver's urban model. The conversation explores design governance, the impact of investor-driven trends on housing, and the challenges of creating sustainable urban environments. With a focus on community versus profit, White highlights urgent questions for the future of urban planning.

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