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
Oct 27, 2024 • 1h 8min
Nathan Kalman-Lamb and Derek Silva, "The End of College Football: On the Human Cost of an All-American Game" (UNC Press, 2024)
Nathan Kalman-Lamb, an Assistant Professor of Sociology known for "Game Misconduct," and Derek Silva, an Associate Professor with the book "Power Played," delve into the hidden costs of college football. They reveal how the sport exploits players, particularly through coercive practices and racial dynamics. Their discussions highlight the chronic injuries athletes face, the deceptive nature of NIL agreements, and the systemic inequities within college athletics. The podcast challenges the glorified image of college football, demanding critical reforms and shedding light on its harsh realities.
Oct 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
Larisa Jasarević, "Beekeeping in the End Times" (Indiana UP, 2024)
Larisa Jasarević, an anthropologist and independent scholar, discusses her work on beekeeping and climate change in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She reveals how local beekeepers experience ecological shifts and climate extremes, intertwining their practices with cultural and spiritual beliefs. Jasarević explores the deep symbolism of bees in Islamic tradition and local lore, emphasizing honey's role as divine revelation. The conversation highlights resilience, community action, and hope amid despair, showcasing the complex relationship between humanity and nature.
Oct 26, 2024 • 40min
How Did Arabic Get on That Sign?
Rizwan Ahmad, a Professor of Sociolinguistics at Qatar University, dives into the intriguing world of Arabic signage across Qatar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. He discusses how Arabic is used in public spaces, influencing cultural identity and sociolinguistic dynamics. Rizwan highlights the challenges of non-standard Arabic spellings and their implications for learners. He also explores the nuanced relationship between language and identity, particularly how Arabic shapes cultural perceptions in non-Arabic-speaking regions, fostering unique identities and religious significance.
Oct 26, 2024 • 25min
Nathan J. Murphy, "The Ideas That Rule Us: How Other People's Ideas Rule our Lives and How to Change it" (Prepolitica, 2024)
Nathan J. Murphy, a political theory researcher and entrepreneur, discusses his book exploring how ideologies shape our lives. He delves into consumerism versus contributionism, arguing for stronger community ties over materialism. Murphy emphasizes adaptability in today's fast-paced world, drawing on historical examples. He also tackles the impact of globalization on morality and the evolving understanding of human nature through neuroscience. His insights encourage a rethinking of societal norms and individual experiences.
Oct 25, 2024 • 56min
Himanshu Upadhyaya, "Critical Insights on Colonial Modes of Seeing Cattle in India (1850–1980)" (Springer, 2024)
Himanshu Upadhyaya, author of "Critical Insights on Colonial Modes of Seeing Cattle in India (1850–1980)", delves into the intricate history of cattle in India, highlighting their ecological and social significance. He discusses the deep interdependence between cattle rearing and agriculture during colonial times and critiques the underappreciation of bovine animals by colonial policies. Upadhyaya also connects historical practices to modern dairy cooperatives, revealing their roots in colonial military regimes, and advocates for a more holistic understanding of agricultural systems.
Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
Matilde Masso, "Contested Money: Towards a New Social Contract" (Routledge, 2023)
Matilde Masso, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of A Coruña, discusses her book on the evolution of money and its societal implications. She explores the transformative power of technology on money and economic justice. Masso proposes a new monetary model rooted in social welfare, presenting money as a means to enhance individual and communal good. She delves into financialization impacts across cultures, revealing how attitudes towards debt vary globally. This enlightening discussion challenges conventional views and advocates for a redefined social contract.
Oct 25, 2024 • 37min
Omer Aijazi, "Atmospheric Violence: Disaster and Repair in Kashmir" (U Pennsylvania Press, 2024)
Omer Aijazi, an ethnographer and assistant professor at the University of Manchester, discusses his new book focusing on Kashmir's struggles with environmental and social turmoil. He introduces the concept of 'atmospheric violence,' revealing how communities cope with ongoing crises. Aijazi emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in disaster studies, highlighting emotional tolls and the need for alternative narratives. He also touches on how a 2005 earthquake reshaped identities and proposes ways to celebrate Kashmiri culture through culinary traditions amid adversity.
Oct 24, 2024 • 60min
Dolores Albarracin et al., "Creating Conspiracy Beliefs: How Our Thoughts Are Shaped" (Cambridge UP, 2021)
Dolores Albarracin and Julia Albarassin, experts in social psychology and political science, dive into the intricate world of conspiracy beliefs. They examine how fear, anxiety, and media bias fuel the acceptance of these theories, drawing on unique empirical data. The duo reflects on their own experiences growing up in 1970s Argentina, linking personal narratives to broader societal implications. They also discuss the psychological roots behind these beliefs and the dangers they pose to public trust and health behaviors.
Oct 22, 2024 • 47min
Adam Greenfield, "Lifehouse: Taking Care of Ourselves in a World on Fire" (Verso, 2024)
Adam Greenfield, author of "Lifehouse: Taking Care of Ourselves in a World on Fire," passionately discusses the urgent need for community resilience amid crises. He introduces the 'lifehouse' concept, emerging from the Occupy Sandy initiative, as essential neighborhood hubs for mutual aid. Drawing on historical examples and contemporary movements, Greenfield emphasizes grassroots networks' power in facing global challenges. He also reflects on his journey in writing and the transformative role of community connections, blending personal growth with collective action.
Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 11min
Emrah Yildiz, "Zainab's Traffic: Moving Saints, Selves, and Others Across Borders" (U California Press, 2024)
Emrah Yildiz, an expert in the anthropology of Islam, discusses his upcoming book, which delves into the intricate pilgrimage journey from Tehran to the Sayyida Zainab shrine near Damascus. He explores the complex interplay of faith, mobility, and identity amidst sociopolitical tensions. The conversation touches on the transformative cultural exchanges in bazaars, including the trade of unique items like Ceylon tea and Syrian lingerie. Yildiz also emphasizes how diverse narratives shape our understanding of pilgrimages and the dynamic relationships within communities.
