New Books in Sociology

Exploring the vibrant rock music community in Singapore, influenced by English rock music and the legacy of The Straydogs. The podcast delves into the unique sonic experiences in the urban landscape, innovative music-based ethnographic methodology, and the evolving relationship between rock music and urban noise. It also explores the evolution of rock music as a national heritage, reciprocity in Singapore's moral economy, and the personal connections formed through music and friendship in Southeast Asia.

Delving into the hipster economy, the podcast discusses the pursuit of authenticity in modern capitalism across various consumption habits. It explores the influence of authenticity on urban areas, emergence of neo-craft industries, and impact on societal values. The chapters navigate contradictions within the hipster economy, winners and losers in consumption trends, affordability issues, and the evolution of counter-cultural movements.

Yanis Varoufakis argues capitalism is dead, replaced by big tech's power. We now labor like serfs for tech platforms. He explains the revolutionary transformation and what it will take to overthrow it. The discussion delves into the concept of cloud capital, challenges of organizing against it, and the impact on global power dynamics.

A researcher discusses the Bishan Commune and socially engaged art in rural China. The podcast explores the challenges and evolution of the commune project, the ideals of anarchist community building, and the impact of art on rural revitalization. Delve into the unique history and radical actions of the Bishan Commune.

Informal workers around the world organize where state officials incentivize them, facilitating collective action. Calla Hummel's research in Bolivia and Brazil challenges assumptions about informal economies. Insights on the dynamics between street vendors, unions, and the police shed light on the complexities of worker organizing. Using machine learning to identify informal workers highlights the challenges and importance of understanding their needs for effective policymaking.

An exploration of fatherhood in the context of caregiving for children with disabilities, highlighting the emotional realities and challenges faced by these fathers. The podcast delves into how caregiving can redefine masculinity and reshape personal identities. The guest, Aaron J. Jackson, blends ethnographic research with personal reflections to offer a powerful account of the transformative nature of care.

“The things that are happening to North Korea are happening to all of us…they are part of the human community. To say that this is just a problem for North Korea is to say that North Koreans are not part of the human community.” In her new book, Dying for Rights: Putting North Korea’s Human Rights Abuses on the Record (Columbia University Press, 2019), Sandra Fahy gives a thorough and compelling analysis of testimonies and reports on North Korea. Fahy explores the United Nation’s report as well as North Korea’s response to the report. The book also tackles issues of famine and hunger, information control, movement within the country and outside it, in addition to other pertinent issues. The book is full of detailed reporting on the issues but is still written in an accessible way in order to help readers understand more about North Korea and its people.Sarah E. Patterson is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Dr. Jack Levin and Dr. Julie B. Wiest discuss covert violence in various social institutions, highlighting cases of deceptive murder and mayhem. They emphasize the need for improved investigation techniques and recognition of subtle yet impactful acts of aggression. The authors explore discrepancies in data on covert homicides and the pervasive influence of covert violence targeting vulnerable groups. They also touch on the complexity of detecting covert violence and the importance of social awareness in prevention efforts.

Exploring how law shapes wealth and inequality, author Katharina Pistor reveals the role of lawyers in creating private wealth. From historical roots to global finance, legal institutions influence capital creation. Delve into the controversies of patenting genetic codes and the power of legal systems in coding capital.

Daniel Skinner, Jonathan R. Wynn, and Berkeley Franz discuss the paradox of medically overserved communities surrounding urban hospitals. They analyze how hospitals anchor neighborhoods but often provide advanced care only to those who can pay. The authors explore the impact of hospital relocation on communities and address the complexities of healthcare access and community engagement. They emphasize the shift towards community-based healthcare facilities for improved public health outcomes.