New Books in Sociology

New Books Network
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Oct 15, 2024 • 48min

Jamie Furlong and Will Jennings, "The Changing Electoral Map of England and Wales" (Oxford UP, 2024)

In this engaging discussion, Jamie Furlong, a Research Fellow at the University of Westminster, and Will Jennings, Professor at the University of Southampton, dive into their book, analyzing the shifting electoral patterns in England and Wales. They unpack the complexities of 'left behind' regions, exploring how industrial decline and educational changes have shaped voter behavior. The conversation also highlights Lincolnshire's unique political dynamics post-Brexit and the transformation of Labour's 'Red Wall.' Their insights provide a thought-provoking look at contemporary politics.
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Oct 14, 2024 • 46min

Xiaoming Wang, "Muslim Chinese: The Hui in Rural Ningxia" (de Gruyter, 2019)

Xiaoming Wang, a librarian and cultural anthropologist, dives into the intricate identity of the Hui people, China's largest Muslim group, in rural Ningxia. He examines how migration reshapes their religious practices and beliefs, such as fasting and the concepts of purity. Wang shares insights from his field research, highlighting gender dynamics and the cultural challenges Hui women face within patriarchal norms. The discussion illustrates the impact of modernization on the Hui’s ethno-religious identity as they navigate cultural assimilation.
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Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 19min

Sharad Chari, "Apartheid Remains" (Duke UP, 2024)

In this engaging discussion, Sharad Chari, an Associate Professor of Geography at UC Berkeley and author of "Apartheid Remains," delves into the long shadows of apartheid in South Africa, particularly in contemporary Durban. He investigates how marginalized communities navigated the oppressive frameworks imposed by a racially stratified state. Chari highlights the historical resistance of Black, Indian, and coloured populations, exploring themes of racial capitalism, biopolitical struggle, and the transformative power of subaltern placemaking in urban spaces.
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Oct 13, 2024 • 59min

Elizabeth Korver-Glenn and Sarah Mayorga, "A Good Reputation: How Residents Fight for an American Barrio" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

Elizabeth Korver-Glenn, an Assistant Professor of Sociology, and Sarah Mayorga, a Professor of Sociology, dive into the intricate dynamics of neighborhood reputation in their collaborative work. They explore how residents of Northside, a Latinx barrio in Houston, strive to reshape their community's image against external stigmas. The conversation touches on the impact of racial capitalism, grassroots resistance, and the complexity of gentrification, revealing the profound connection between identity, memory, and urban inequality.
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Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 4min

Theo Williams, "Making the Revolution Global: Black Radicalism and the British Socialist Movement before Decolonisation" (Verso, 2022)

Theo Williams, a social history lecturer at the University of Glasgow, discusses his work on how Black radicalism influenced British socialism before decolonization. He highlights key figures like George Padmore and C.L.R. James, revealing their struggles and contributions within socialist movements. The conversation delves into the Communist Party's shifting loyalties and the internal debates of the Independent Labour Party regarding colonialism. Williams emphasizes the lasting impact of these radical traditions on contemporary discussions about race and class.
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Oct 12, 2024 • 37min

Migration, Constraints, and Suffering

In this engaging discussion, Marco Santello, a researcher in multilingualism from the University of Turin, dives deep into the challenges faced by Gambian migrants in Italy. He explores how language barriers create significant constraints, affecting both identity and integration. Marco highlights the shared experiences of suffering and resilience among migrants, emphasizing their creative navigation of multilingualism. He also touches on the role of language in shaping personal expectations and the broader implications for educational opportunities within migrant communities.
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Oct 12, 2024 • 1h 7min

Gretchen Sisson, "Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood" (St. Martin's Press, 2024)

Gretchen Sisson, a qualitative sociologist from UCSF, dives deep into the politics surrounding adoption and its implications for women's choices in her new book, 'Relinquished.' She uncovers the challenging realities that mothers face when relinquishing their children, particularly in the context of the overturned Roe v. Wade. Sisson critiques the commodification of adoption, the racial dynamics at play, and how these systems perpetuate reproductive injustice. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of amplifying the voices of relinquishing mothers and calls for urgent reform in adoption practices.
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Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 8min

Virginia Nicholson, "All the Rage: Power, Pain, Pleasure: Stories from the Frontline of Beauty 1860-1960" (Pegasus Books, 2024)

Virginia Nicholson, a social historian and author, dives into her latest work, exploring the evolving ideals of female beauty from 1860 to 1960. She discusses the troubling ties between beauty standards and the eugenics movement, as well as how clothing choices became expressions of identity and rebellion against societal norms. Nicholson highlights the empowerment found in movements like the Women's League of Health and Beauty and the role of suffragettes in shaping fashion as a claim for rights. The conversation reveals how historical pressures continue to influence contemporary body image.
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Oct 11, 2024 • 53min

Kanupriya Dhingra, "Old Delhi's Parallel Book Bazaar" (Cambridge UP, 2024)

Kanupriya Dhingra, an Assistant Professor at O.P. Jindal Global University, dives into the vibrant world of Old Delhi's Daryaganj Sunday Book Market. She explores the spatial dynamics shaped by sellers, buyers, and civic authorities, highlighting the resilience of booksellers in an ever-changing landscape. Dhingra shares captivating stories of buyer motivations and the unique interactions within this bustling bazaar. With insights into the historical significance of the market and its cultural role, she illustrates the joy and community that books bring to urban life.
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Oct 11, 2024 • 54min

Lisa-Jo K. Van den Scott, "Walled-In: Arctic Housing and a Sociology of Walls" (Lexington Book, 2024)

Lisa-Jo K. Van den Scott, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Memorial University, discusses her book, exploring the impact of walls in Arctic housing. She reveals how these structures affect identity and power dynamics within the Inuit community of Arviat. The conversation delves into the trauma of colonial architecture and how the community adapts Western designs to express cultural values. Key topics include resilience through physical spaces, the cultural significance of walls in storytelling, and the role of traditional foods in Inuit identity.

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