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
Nov 3, 2024 • 52min
Sanaullah Khan, "Carceral Recovery: Prisons, Drug Markets, and the New Pharmaceutical Self" (Lexington Books, 2023)
Sanaullah Khan, author of "Carceral Recovery," dives into the gritty intersections of prisons and substance use in Baltimore. He discusses how housing, medicalization, and incarceration influence addiction and recovery. Khan unpacks the relationships between drug markets and treatment environments, exposing the cycle of violence and vulnerability faced by marginalized communities. He highlights personal narratives that reveal the societal biases affecting recovery and emphasizes the need to separate punishment from healing, challenging conventional views on addiction.
Nov 3, 2024 • 31min
Anne M. Whitesell, "Living Off the Government?: Race, Gender, and the Politics of Welfare" (NYU Press, 2024)
Anne M. Whitesell, an assistant professor of political science at Miami University, dives into the complexity of welfare policies in her new book. She discusses who is deemed deserving of public assistance and how racial and gender stereotypes shape public perception. Whitesell analyzes the varied welfare rules across states, focusing on the systemic inadequacies that fail to serve low-income Americans effectively. She highlights the impact of harmful stereotypes and calls for a re-evaluation of a system that often prioritizes special interests over those in need.
Nov 2, 2024 • 51min
Kristina Kolbe, "The Sound of Difference: Race, Class and the Politics of 'Diversity' in Classical Music" (Manchester UP, 2024)
Dr. Kristina Kolbe, a sociologist with expertise in cultural inequalities, discusses her book on diversity in classical music. She examines the challenges faced by the industry in addressing race and class disparities. Kolbe highlights the historical privileges influencing contemporary practices and the need for meaningful change. She also explores how the COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing inequalities for freelance musicians, advocating for systemic reforms and grassroots initiatives to foster genuine inclusivity in music.
Oct 31, 2024 • 53min
When We Prioritize Data and Metrics, What Happens to Human Connections?
Allison Pugh, a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 Vice President of the American Sociological Association, discusses the essence of human connection in her research. She introduces the concept of 'connective labor' and the risks posed by data-driven workplace cultures. Pugh shares insights from various professionals about the emotional labor inherent in their roles. The conversation highlights the need for empathy and genuine interaction in fields like healthcare, urging us to value humane work in an increasingly automated society.
Oct 31, 2024 • 54min
Jamie Hakim, "Digital Intimacies: Queer Men and Smartphones in Times of Crisis" (Bloomsbury, 2024)
Jamie Hakim, a Lecturer at King's College London, and James Cummings from the University of York, dive into how queer men navigate intimacy through smartphones. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on relationships, revealing creative strategies like video calls. The conversation also highlights the role of digital platforms in managing vulnerability, especially against racism and transphobia. Their research uncovers the complexities of intimacy in queer cultures, especially in a politically tumultuous landscape, offering fresh insights into community dynamics and intersectionality.
Oct 29, 2024 • 55min
Jia Tan, "Digital Masquerade: Feminist Rights and Queer Media in China" (NYU Press, 2023)
Jia Tan, an Associate Professor of Cultural Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, dives into the intersection of digital media with feminist and queer activism in China. She introduces the concept of 'digital masquerade,' highlighting how technology aids in creative expression despite state censorship. Tan discusses the significant impact of the Feminist Five and the evolution of 'rights feminism.' Key topics include community-based digital filmmaking and the lively narratives emerging from queer film festivals, challenging societal norms in contemporary Chinese society.
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 13min
Mark W. Geiger, "Floor Rules: Insider Culture in Financial Markets" (Yale UP, 2024)
Mark W. Geiger, an independent scholar of economic history, dives into the intriguing world of financial markets in his latest work. He unpacks the 'floor rules' that insiders must navigate, revealing the high stakes of breaking these unwritten norms. Geiger recounts the dramatic story of B.P. Hutchinson's wheat market corner in 1888 and explores the ethical fallout from the 2008 LIBOR scandal. With a keen eye on market dynamics, he discusses the evolution of insider language and the shifting landscape influenced by technology and aggressive trading tactics.
Oct 29, 2024 • 53min
Sabina Faiz Rashid, "Poverty, Gender and Health in the Slums of Bangladesh: Children of Crows" (Routledge, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, Sabina Faiz Rashid, a professor and health advocate, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by families in Dhaka's slums. She reveals how health disparities persist despite economic growth, especially for women and children. Rashid dives into the intertwined issues of gender, poverty, and health, accentuating the vital role of personal stories over traditional methodologies. She also uncovers the complicated relationship between marginalized communities and law enforcement, highlighting struggles for dignity and resistance amidst systemic challenges.
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 6min
Townsend Middleton, "Quinine's Remains: Empire’s Medicine and the Life Thereafter" (U California Press, 2024)
Townsend Middleton, an associate professor at UNC Chapel Hill specializing in colonial studies, delves into the legacy of the cinchona plantations in Darjeeling. He discusses the historical journey of the cinchona tree, its significance in the fight against malaria, and the implausible future of local communities amid privatization threats. Through personal narratives, he highlights ongoing resistance, the resurgence of political agitation, and the transformative impacts of colonialism on identities, illuminating the struggle for rights and recognition in a post-colonial landscape.
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 3min
Melissa Deckman, "The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy" (Columbia UP, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, Melissa Deckman, CEO of PRRI and a noted political scientist, unveils how Gen Z is transforming American politics. She highlights the unique experiences that have shaped their activism, particularly among women and LGBTQ individuals, who are mobilizing to push progressive values. Deckman dives into the historic 'reverse gender gap' in political participation and explores Gen Z's distinct relationship with news and feminism. Through compelling narratives and original research, she illustrates how young voters are set to influence future elections.
