New Books in Sociology

An expressive book of prose and photographs that reveals the powerful ways our everyday places support our shared belonging. Where would you take someone on a guided tour of your neighborhood? In The Cities We Need: Essential Stories of Everyday Places (MIT Press, 2024), photographer and urbanist Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani introduces us to the complex, political, and eminently personable stories of residents who answered this question in Brooklyn, New York, and Oakland, California. Their universal stories and Bendiner-Viani’s evocative images illuminate what’s at stake in our everyday places—from diners to churches to donut shops. In this culmination of two decades of research and art practice, Bendiner-Viani intertwines the personal, historical, and photographic to present us with placework, the way that unassuming places foster a sense of belonging and, in fact, do the essential work of helping us become communities. In this unique book, Bendiner-Viani makes visible how seemingly unimportant places can lay the foundation for a functional interconnected society, so necessary for both public health and social justice. The Cities We Need explores both what we gain in these spaces and what we risk losing as they are threatened by gentrification, large-scale development, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, Bendiner-Viani shows us how to understand ourselves as part of a shared society, with a shared fate; she shows us that everyday places can be the spaces of liberation in which we can build the cities we need.Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani is a visual urbanist and cofounder of the interdisciplinary studio Buscada. She is the author of Contested City, a finalist and honoree for the Brendan Gill Prize. A widely exhibited photographer, she holds a doctorate in environmental psychology from the Graduate Center, CUNY.Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

For most of recorded history, neighboring countries, tribes, and peoples everywhere in the world regarded each other with apprehension—when not outright fear and loathing. Tribal or racial attitudes were virtually universal, no one group being much better or worse in this respect than any other—and for good reason given the conditions of life before the modern era. But in the last 500 years, relations between different peoples have undergone a slow but profound change.In our episode, explore Dr. Ellis’ upcoming publication, A Short History of Relations Between People: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism. Join us as we explore how a confluence of discoveries, inventions, explorations, as well as social and political changes gave birth to a new attitude, one expressed succinctly in the Latin phrase: gens una sumus—we are all one people. This sentiment has by now become a modern orthodoxy. Ellis tells the story of how the transition happened, setting out the crucial stages in its progress as well as the key events that moved it forward, and identifying the individuals and groups that brought about the eventual dominance of this new outlook.John M. Ellis is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of German Literature at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He taught at universities in England, Wales, and Canada before joining UCSC in 1966, serving as dean of the Graduate Division in 1977–86.A Short History of Relations Between People: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism  is available on October 15th, 2024 and available wherever books are sold.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and InstitutionsContributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Uroš Kovač, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Groningen, dives into the intricate lives of young footballers in Cameroon. He explores how their aspirations intertwine with precarious masculinity and shifting economic landscapes. Football serves as a launching pad for dreams of migration and success, while Pentecostalism provides a moral framework amidst societal challenges. Kovač highlights the harsh realities of transnational journeys, showcasing the struggle between hopeful aspirations and the unpredictability of the sports market.

Steven T. Katz, a distinguished scholar specializing in Holocaust studies, dives deep into the stark contrasts between the Holocaust and New World slavery. He discusses the differing motivations behind these atrocities, emphasizing how Jews were exterminated as racial enemies, while enslaved people, particularly women and children, were seen as economic assets. Katz also examines the complexities of miscegenation in slavery, the chilling ideologies of the Nazis, and the profound implications of comparing such distinct historical tragedies.

Lynne B. Sagalyn, an author and urban change expert, delves into the captivating history of Times Square in her latest work. She discusses the area’s evolution from a vibrant theater hub to a notorious vice center, and the aggressive government strategies that transformed it from crime-ridden to a family-friendly destination. Sagalyn also highlights the interplay between theater, real estate, and commercial signage, emphasizing how collective memory shapes urban identity. Her insights reveal the complexities of revitalizing such an iconic space.

Listener note: This interview contains discussions of suicide. Youth and Suicide in American Cinema: Context, Causes, and Consequences (Palgrave MacMillan, 2022) explores the depiction of suicide in American youth films from 1900 to 2019. Anchored in Sociology, this multidisciplinary study investigates the causes and consequences of suicide and uncovers the socio-cultural context for the development of youth, film, and suicide. While such cinematic portrayals seem to privilege external explanations of suicide versus internal or psychological ones, overall they are neither rich nor sensitive. Most are simplistic, limited or at the very least unbalanced. At times, they are flatly controversial. In light of this overall problematic depiction of suicide, this book offers a proactive approach to empower young audiences--a media literacy strategy to embrace while watching these films.A Fulbright grantee and an award-winning artist, Alessandra Seggi (PhD in Sociology and MA in Media Studies) teaches at Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA.Ailin Zhou is a PhD student in Film & Digital Media at University of California, Santa Cruz. Her research interests include transnational Chinese cinema, Asian diasporic visual culture, contemporary art, and feminist and queer theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Ellen T. Meiser, a sociologist and author, explores success in the competitive restaurant industry. She discusses how 'kitchen capital'—both skills and emotional intelligence—affects career growth. Ellen shares insights from her 120 hours in kitchen environments and interviews with fifty culinary professionals. Topics include the impact of COVID-19, the identity struggles of chefs, and the stark contrasts between working in small establishments versus larger franchises. Her findings reveal the intricate dynamics and social hierarchies that shape the culinary world.

Jack A. Goldstone, an expert in revolutionary movements, discusses the evolution of revolutions from ancient Greece to modern times. He examines the shift from violent uprisings to nonviolent strategies, highlighting the impact of demographics and socio-economic conditions. Goldstone analyzes famous revolutions, their unforeseen outcomes, and the challenges of establishing democracy post-revolution. He also delves into the symbolism of color revolutions and the complexities involved in transitioning from autocratic regimes to democratic governance.

Dr. Kate Steel, a Lecturer in Linguistics, and Tazin Abdullah, a specialist in police dynamics, dive into the complex interactions between police first responders and domestic violence victims. They discuss how personal space and communication structures impact these encounters, revealing the emotional challenges faced by both parties. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy and effective training for officers. They also explore innovative research on improving police communication through language guidance and the overall dynamics of these critical interactions.

Courtney Ann Irby, an author and researcher at the intersection of faith and marriage preparation, delves into the intricacies of premarital counseling in Christian communities. She discusses how religious institutions have adapted to the evolving landscape of marriage, highlighting the balance between individualism and community. Irby contrasts the approaches of Catholic and evangelical Protestant groups, emphasizing their unique impacts on couples. The conversation also explores the emotional complexities of marriage and the influence of financial values on relationships.