New Books in Anthropology

In a captivating discussion, Sarah Lewis, an author and scholar renowned for her insights into race and representation in America, delves into her latest work. She exposes the historical lies underpinning racial hierarchies, revealing how the Caucasian War challenged dominant narratives. The intriguing impact of visual culture on racial discourse is explored, alongside the role of influential figures like Frederick Douglass in critiquing these constructs. Lewis also connects past racial segregation tactics to contemporary issues, highlighting the power of art in addressing societal inequities.

Felia Allum, an expert on organized crime, unveils the powerful presence of women in the Neapolitan Camorra. She reveals how these women not only support the syndicate but play active roles as leaders and strategists. Allum challenges the stereotype of a male-dominated mafia by showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of female foot soldiers. Her research highlights the complexities of their influence and calls for a reevaluation of their contributions within this criminal underworld, proving that women are essential partners in crime.

In this engaging discussion, editors Soraj Hongladarom, Jeremiah Joven Joaquin, and Frank J. Hoffman explore their new volume on religious philosophy in Southeast Asia. They tackle the concept of 'appropriated religions,' shedding light on how major faiths blend with local cultures. Topics include the unique Filipino devotion to the Black Nazarene, philosophical insights on suffering from a Buddhist perspective compared to Western thought, and the complexities of integrating indigenous beliefs with external influences. They emphasize the need for a diverse, collaborative philosophical community.

Tone Bleie, an anthropologist renowned for her work on Scandinavian missionaries' impact in Eastern India, shares insights from her latest book. She explores the intricate ties between Scandinavian missionaries and the Santal people, revealing layers of imperialism and local history. The discussion dives into the book's title, 'A New Testament,' linking colonial legacies and Christian beliefs. Bleie also reflects on her 15-year journey studying these dynamics, shedding light on the transformative role of Protestant mission stations in shaping social movements and ethics.

Joanna Allan, an expert on women's resistance in oppressive regimes, discusses her book on Western Sahara and Equatorial Guinea. She explores the unique roles of women in these diverse resistance movements amid authoritarian rule. Allan highlights how gender intersects with colonial histories and the importance of acknowledging women's contributions to civil rights. She also sheds light on the concept of 'genderwashing' where regimes manipulate equality narratives, while underlying tensions from external economic interests complicate genuine progress for women's rights.

Andrea Pia, an anthropologist at the London School of Economics and Political Science, discusses his insightful book on water politics in Southwest China. He explores how rural communities navigate challenges of water scarcity and climate change amid complex governance structures. Pia highlights the tension between state policies and grassroots resistance, revealing the socio-political dynamics of resource distribution. With a focus on the impact of infrastructure projects and community-centered solutions, he advocates for environmental justice and sustainable practices in a rapidly changing landscape.

Jack Crangle, an author delving deep into national identity and immigration in twentieth-century Northern Ireland, discusses the complexities of belonging in a divided society. He highlights the experiences of diverse immigrant groups, including Italians, Indians, and Vietnamese, amidst the backdrop of the Troubles. Crangle questions if migrants could remain neutral in such a politicized environment and explores how these identities evolved over generations. His insights challenge traditional narratives and emphasize the need for a broader understanding of multiculturalism in contemporary contexts.

In this discussion, Dr. Ernesto Castañeda, an expert on immigration and director of the Immigration Lab, joins co-author Carina Cione to dissect myths surrounding immigration. They highlight how personal stories can foster empathy and challenge misconceptions in media and politics. The conversation covers border safety, the real contributions of immigrants to the economy, and the importance of reframing narratives around refugees. They emphasize understanding migrants as victims of systemic issues and advocate for humane immigration policies.

Handcrafted Careers: Working the Artisan Economy of Craft Beer (U California Press, 2024) unpacks the problems and privileges of pursuing a career of passion by exploring work inside craft breweries.As workers attempt new modes of employment in the era of the Great Resignation, they face a labor landscape that is increasingly uncertain and stubbornly unequal. With Handcrafted Careers, sociologist Eli Revelle Yano Wilson dives headfirst into the everyday lives of workers in the craft beer industry to address key questions facing American workers today: about what makes a good career, who gets to have one, and how careers progress without established models.Wilson argues that what ends up contributing to divergent career paths in craft beer is a complex interplay of social connections, personal tastes, and cultural ideas, as well as exclusionary industry structures. The culture of work in craft beer is based around “bearded white guy” ideals that are gendered and racialized in ways that limit the advancement of women and people of color. A fresh perspective on niche industries, Handcrafted Careers offers sharp insights into how people navigate worlds of work that promote ideas of authenticity and passion-filled careers even amid instability.Michael O. Johnston, Ph.D. is a Assistant Professor of Sociology at William Penn University. He is the author of The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla (Lexington Books, 2023) and Community Media Representations of Place and Identity at Tug Fest: Reconstructing the Mississippi River (Lexington Books, 2022). His general area of study is at the intersection of built-environment, experience, identity, and place. He is currently conducting research on how architectural designers, builders, and community planners negotiate a sense of identity and place for residents of newly constructed neighborhoods. To learn more about Michael O. Johnston you can go to his website, Google Scholar, Twitter @ProfessorJohnst, or by email at johnstonmo@wmpenn.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

Neil Van Leeuwen, an author and researcher, delves into the intriguing realm of belief, imagination, and group identity. He argues that religious beliefs function similarly to imaginative play, creating a layered cognitive experience. Van Leeuwen discusses how communal identities are shaped through these beliefs and contrasts emotional engagement with factual foundations. He also highlights the interplay of prayer and action, the dynamics of faith versus doubt, and the complexities of childhood belief systems, ultimately revealing that belief often transcends empirical evidence.