New Books in Sociology

Daanika Kamal, a Lecturer in Law at Royal Holloway University, focuses on gender law and domestic violence in Pakistan. She discusses how societal labels of 'bad' and 'mad' women undermine the credibility of victims in the legal system. Through her research, she reveals the cultural narratives and legal challenges faced by women seeking justice. Kamal addresses the gap between legal protections and actual policing practices, highlighting the biases in courtroom dynamics and the need for a broader understanding of domestic violence that includes psychological harm.

Hans Joas, a leading sociologist at Humboldt University, and Matthias Bormuth, a professor specializing in intellectual history, dive deep into Karl Jaspers’ influential philosophy. They discuss Jaspers’ connections with pivotal thinkers like Max Weber and Hannah Arendt, explore his insights on the Axial Age, and examine his critiques of tyranny. The conversation also touches on Jaspers’ views on religion, capitalism, and existentialism, showcasing his enduring relevance in contemporary philosophical discourse and the challenges of modernity.

Véronique Altglas, a sociology lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast with a focus on religion, discusses her book on the Judaization of evangelical Christianity in Northern Ireland. She explores how Messianic congregations combine Jewish and Christian practices, shedding light on evolving religious identities. Altglas tackles the blending of traditions, the complexities of faith in the region, and the disbandment of a key congregation due to internal conflict. She also examines the relationship between Jewish identity and nationalism in contemporary contexts.

Thiago P. Barbosa, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Leipzig, delves into the intricate relationship between racialization and caste through the work of Irawati Karve. He discusses how Karve challenged the racial hypotheses of her time and addresses the colonial legacies affecting contemporary anthropology. Barbosa also critiques outdated racial classifications in education and explores the intersection of genetics and social factors in understanding caste, emphasizing the need for decolonization in scientific practices.

Matthew Allen, a Senior Lecturer in Historical Criminology at the University of New England, uncovers the fascinating interplay between alcohol and democratic ideals in colonial Australia. He discusses how public drinking rituals both unified and excluded different societal groups, notably women and Indigenous people. The toast, once a symbol of fraternity, also reflected the social hierarchies of the time. As temperance movements emerged, they reshaped notions of citizenship and respectability, highlighting alcohol's role in enforcing political boundaries. A riveting exploration of history and social dynamics!

Lieba Faier, a Professor at UCLA specializing in geography and gender studies, explores the complexities of the UN’s fight against human trafficking. She critiques the ineffectiveness of these well-funded campaigns, particularly in Japan's approach to assisting Filipina migrants. Faier introduces the concept of the 'banality of good,' revealing how bureaucratic protocols often neglect the voices of the very individuals they aim to help. The discussion includes disparities in global narratives and highlights the need for grassroots solutions over top-down strategies in combating trafficking.

How do feminist movements develop and organise in ethno-nationally divided societies? How does this challenge our understandings of contemporary fourth wave feminism? Women's Troubles: Gender and Feminist Politics in Post-Agreement Northern Ireland (Manchester University Press, 2025) by Dr. Claire Pierson sets out to answer these questions using rich empirical data and analysis in an examination of feminist activism after the Northern Irish peace agreement. Utilising feminist frameworks and debates on movement building, policymaking, abortion rights, gender-based violence and the UN women, peace and security agenda, Dr. Pierson interrogates the opportunities and challenges in articulating a feminist voice and creating feminist spaces in the conflict transformational politics and society. Capturing the complexities of contemporary feminist movement building in a divided society, Women's Troubles contributes to ongoing analysis of contemporary global feminisms. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

In this exhilarating journey into underground parties, pulsating with life and limitless possibility, acclaimed author Amin Ghaziani unveils the unexpected revolution revitalizing urban nightlife. Drawing on Ghaziani's immersive encounters at underground parties in London and more than one hundred riveting interviews with everyone from bar owners to party producers, revelers to rabble-rousers, Long Live Queer Nightlife: How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution (Princeton University Press, 2024) showcases a spectacular, if seldom-seen, vision of a queer world shimmering with self-empowerment, inventiveness, and joy. Amin Ghaziani is Professor of Sociology who has taught at Northwestern, Princeton, University of British Columbia, and UC Santa Barbara. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Howard A. Husock, a journalist and researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the intricate history of public housing in America. He discusses how well-intentioned policies often backfired, leading to the decline of vibrant Black neighborhoods. The podcast uncovers tales of community resilience against the backdrop of past mistakes in housing policy. Husock also emphasizes the importance of social connections in urban living and proposes reforms for affordable housing that honor community-driven solutions.

In this engaging conversation, Anna Gjika, an assistant professor of sociology at SUNY New Paltz, sheds light on youth and sexual assault in the digital age. She discusses how incidents like sexting scandals reflect deeper societal norms and power dynamics. Gjika advocates for understanding digital cultures rather than mere surveillance. The discussion explores the complexities of victim identities and the challenges institutions face in addressing youth sexual violence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education on digital ethics.