New Books in Sociology

Robert Bruno, a labor and employment relations professor, dives into workers' perspectives on work. He explores the impact of past jobs on present attitudes, the multifaceted effects of work on individuals and society, and the need to redefine work for a better future with improved job quality and conditions.

Ben Highmore, author of 'Lifestyle Revolution: How Taste Changed Class in Late 20th-Century Britain', discusses how consumer culture reshaped class dynamics in postwar Britain. Topics include the impact of mass consumption on class culture, the evolution of symbolic goods, and the intimate environment shaped by new feelings and attitudes. The podcast explores the influence of consumerism on personal identity, the democratization of modern furniture through Habitat shops, and the role of magazines in shaping consumer culture in the 1960s. Additionally, it delves into the changes in class definitions, sociology's role in understanding class dynamics, and the interrelation between race, class, and taste in Britain.

Robert Willim, author of 'Mundania: How and Where Technologies Are Made Ordinary', and Jeff Adler discuss the concept of Mundania, where extraordinary technologies become ordinary fixtures of life. They explore the integration of technology into daily routines, the design aspects of opacity and transparency, and the sociocultural meanings of mundane technologies. The conversation also touches on technologists' obsession with shaping the future and the interplay between mundane and complex technologies.

Ya-Wen Lei, an expert on China's techno-developmental regime and techno-state capitalism, discusses China's shift to a technology-oriented economy post-2008 financial crisis. She highlights the influence of local government officials, challenges faced by manufacturing workers, and the impact of tech development on inequality. Lei contrasts Daniel Bell's predictions and analyzes government-led economic development through technology, raising concerns about rising inequality and regulations in the tech sector.

Anthropologist David E. Sutton discusses his book on cooking as a daily risk. Topics include the intersection of cooking, memory, and culture, the dual nature of risks in the kitchen, the craft and risk of culinary categories, the cultural significance of basil in Greek society, and foraging and cooking with Greek examples.

Sociologist Neil M. Gong discusses mental health treatment and homelessness in Los Angeles. He explores the divide between public safety-net clinics and elite private care, highlighting the challenges in rehabilitation. The podcast delves into the societal implications of mental illness, disparities in mental health care based on socioeconomic status, and the historical evolution of mental health treatment.

SunAh M. Laybourn discusses 'Out of Place', focusing on Korean adoptees' challenges in white families, legal barriers to citizenship, and identity reconciliation. The podcast delves into racialized experiences, citizenship complexities, adoptee social groups, media portrayal, and identity journeys.

Rana AlMutawa, an urban ethnographer, discusses how middle-class citizens in Dubai create social lives in superficial spaces. She challenges perceptions of authenticity in modern Dubai and explores inclusivity and exclusions in urban spaces. AlMutawa also delves into identity management, resistance, and belonging in rapidly changing environments.

Brad Wilcox, a sociologist specializing in marriage, discusses the myths and realities of marriage. He explores the impact of factors like age, prior relationships, and financial stability on marital success. The podcast also touches on fertility rates, cultural shifts, and the transmission of values through marriage and parenthood.

Discover how Hillsong Church evolved into a global sensation, attracting Brazilian middle-class youth seeking cosmopolitan identities. Explore the church's appeal through music, digital media, and celebrity culture. Learn about the vibrant church service experience and the challenges of cross-cultural integration. Uncover the transformative power of faith and identity formation in a digital age.