Interview with assistant professor Werner Binder, Department of Sociology
Interviewed by Nicolas Navas
- How did you start your academic career?
Early during my studies, it became clear to me that academia is something that I want to do in the future. I was inspired by my professors, but I also was very critical of them. But I liked the academic environment and after I finished my master, or magister as it was called back then, I spent about one year applying for different PhD programs and developing a dissertation project. After one year, I was successful in landing one, but I don’t know how long I would have continued – I was in a fortunate situation that I didn’t have to work for a year, but it was like I gave it a try, and it worked out for me pretty well.
My career really started when I came to Brno in 2012. Although I finished my PhD in Germany, the situation in the German academic market was very difficult. Fortunately, I had been to Brno before for a conference in 2008 and I enjoyed it a lot. And then I heard that there are some vacancies at Masaryk University, so I applied. I first got a postdoctoral research and teaching position. In 2015, I became a regular faculty member. Being a PhD student is one thing, but transitioning into proper academic work is quite another.
2. How did you develop an interest for cultural sociology?
Before entering university, a friend of mine, already studying sociology, and I took a walk in a cemetery in my home town where we observed two war memorials: One honoured those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars, commemorating the death of heroes who had fought in the war; the other monument was a Second World War memorial, blank stones marked simply with years. This moment became pivotal for me. I discussed with my friend how commemorations can vary so widely and how war can be commemorated so differently. The contrast between the monuments left a lasting impression, shaping my understanding of historical remembrance and collective memory.
Furthermore, I also studied philosophy and German literature. When you immerse yourself in various humanities subjects, questions related to meaning and interpretation naturally arise, aligning with the concerns of cultural sociology. If, for instance, you study economics and sociology, your focus tends to lean towards rational choice, with actors making decisions in the market. In a way, I always felt inclined towards cultural sociology, even though the concept wasn’t familiar to me for a long time.
My discovery of cultural sociology as a sub-discipline happened somewhat unexpectedly through my readings of Jeffrey Alexander’s works. Soon after I had the opportunity to meet Jeff and his former student Phillip Smith during a conference. Discussing my dissertation project with them became a revelatory moment for me. After facing skepticism about my research proposal during various job talks for a Ph.D. position, the encounter with these scholars provided a sense of intellectual homecoming. My dissertation, which explored the Abu Ghraib torture scandal in the U.S., involved a detailed analysis of images, public discourses, and the societal response to the scandal. It was during this period that I realized that cultural sociology was a space where I could truly feel at home academically and intellectually.
3. How would you describe cultural sociology to somebody who doesn’t know what it is?
Cultural sociology is essentially a sub-discipline of sociology. Anything that can be studied sociologically can be approached from a cultural sociological perspective. The distinguishing factor lies in the perspective it emphasizes—centered on structures of meaning and meaning-making processes. Unlike approaches focusing solely on the interests of actors, cultural sociology places primacy on understanding how actors make sense of situations. The key tenet is that, for cultural sociologists, the construction of meaning precedes social action. This stands in contrast to perspectives rooted in an economistic model of human agency, which argue that individual interests form the foundational basis of society and social theory. In essence, cultural sociology examines how cultural patterns influence individuals’ interpretations of situations.
4. What about your current research? What are you researching about?
Currently, I am engaged in an EU project on political polarization with international colleagues, both within and beyond our department. I am also completing a book on the cultural sociology of artificial intelligence. Although I began this project years ago, it became very timely in 2023. In my research I investigate various contemporary AI phenomena, but the book centers on the specific case of AlphaGo in 2016. AlphaGo’s victory over a human grandmaster in the complex game of Go marked a pivotal moment in AI research, challenging the perception that such achievements were decades away. My research delves into the construction of this event as a meaningful occurrence in international press coverage. Reports on AlphaGo were widespread and featured in publications ranging from the New York Times to Czech and German news outlets. I am particularly interested in how the event was framed as meaningful for a broader audience unfamiliar with the game and the underlying technology. My research also explores the lasting impact of AlphaGo’s breakthrough. I recently presented on AlphaGo as a trigger for China’s rapid advancement in AI , which led in turn to repercussions from the U.S. The potential intersection of AI with geopolitical considerations makes this an intriguing and dynamic area of study.
5. What would you say is the most exciting research that you have done so far?
Oh, I actually find this question quite challenging to answer. The issue with such a question lies in the fact that all research experiences have their exciting moments. Some projects may be more enjoyable than others, and there’s always a mix of tedious work, rewriting, and occasional moments of feeling stuck. However, overcoming these challenges becomes even more rewarding when you successfully solve a puzzle or make progress. In reality, every project involves a blend of highs and lows, has its moments of uncertainty or feelings that progress has halted. Yet, each research project has its unique appeal too, and there’s a certain satisfaction in solving a problem and crafting a compelling scientific argument, even if the topic wasn’t my initial preference. It’s the joy of overcoming challenges and making meaningful contributions that makes every research endeavour enjoyable in its own way.
6. Finally, what is your advice to new students coming to FSS to study cultural sociology?
Cultivating a general curiosity and maintaining a broad perspective is crucial for cultural sociology. While it might be helpful for students to refer to a handbook on cultural sociology to acquaint themselves with the perspective, it’s equally important for them to explore readings outside the prescribed curriculum. The interdisciplinary nature of cultural sociology allows for insights from various humanities disciplines. For instance, my studies in literature have greatly contributed to my understanding of how narratives function. I strongly encourage students not to approach their readings purely instrumentally. It’s beneficial for them to explore topics of personal interest and go beyond the syllabus. I would caution against rushing through readings as a mere checklist to accumulate credits. Intellectual development is a more nuanced and rewarding process.
I believe it’s crucial for individuals to develop their own reading habits and interests. Rather than focusing solely on meeting credit requirements, students should explore topics that genuinely captivate them. I don’t want students to approach me with the question of what master’s thesis topic they should choose; instead, my role is to guide them on how to approach and develop their own ideas. It’s important for individuals to take ownership of their academic journey, fostering a genuine interest in their chosen field beyond the pursuit of credits.