5 New Social Traditions Books Reshaping 2025

Eddie S. Glaude Jr., James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, and other experts share fresh perspectives on Social Traditions in 2025

Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
Updated on June 26, 2025
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The Social Traditions landscape shifted notably in 2024, sparking fresh conversations about how rituals, ethics, and cultural practices evolve in a connected world. As social norms intertwine with technology and political identity, understanding these transformations has never been more urgent. This collection of newly published books offers you a window into these dynamic changes, capturing the pulse of Social Traditions in 2025.

Among the foremost voices engaging this terrain is Eddie S. Glaude Jr., James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor known for his incisive analyses of social justice and political culture. His endorsement of The Politics of Ritual highlights the book’s deep dive into how rituals actively shape democratic participation and social inclusion, underscoring the book’s relevance for today’s scholars and activists alike.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Social Traditions goals might consider creating a personalized Social Traditions book that builds on these emerging trends. This approach helps you apply the freshest research and perspectives directly to your interests and context.

Best for political culture scholars
Eddie S. Glaude Jr., a distinguished university professor renowned for his insights into social justice and political culture, highlights this book as an emerging force in understanding social traditions. He encountered it while exploring new ways rituals influence democratic participation and community identity. "This is a brilliant book," he says, reflecting on how it reshaped his perspectives on ritual’s power to foster inclusion and political change.
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Recommended by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor

This is a brilliant book. (from X)

The Politics of Ritual book cover

by Molly Farneth·You?

2023·232 pages·Social Traditions, Political Theory, Democratic Engagement, Ritual Studies, Community Building

Drawing from her background in political theory, Molly Farneth explores how rituals do more than just mark traditions—they actively shape political identities and communities. You’ll gain insight into how rituals like border Eucharists and candlelight vigils function as tools for democratic engagement, redefining social boundaries and power structures. Farneth’s analysis invites you to rethink rituals as dynamic acts of citizenship that can foster more just and inclusive societies. This book suits anyone interested in the intersection of culture and politics, especially those studying social movements or democratic theory.

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Best for digital ethics enthusiasts
This book uniquely addresses how virtue can be restored in digital spaces using Catholic Social Teaching principles. It offers a fresh perspective on technology's potential to promote human flourishing by examining the philosophies behind popular social media platforms and their impact on user habits. Readers interested in ethical reflections on technology and its role in social traditions will find this work insightful for navigating and improving virtual environments.
Virtue in Virtual Spaces: Catholic Social Teaching and Technology (Enacting Catholic Social Tradition) book cover

by Louisa Conwill, Megan Levis, Walter J. Scheirer·You?

2024·136 pages·Social Traditions, Ethics, Technology, Digital Culture, Catholic Teaching

Unlike most social traditions books that often overlook technology's role, this work delves into how digital spaces can foster virtue through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. The authors, drawing from ethical philosophy and religious frameworks, challenge you to reconsider the internet not as a cultural wasteland but as a place for genuine human flourishing. You'll explore how social media design influences habits and imagination while learning dialogue-based skills to cultivate virtue online. This book suits anyone interested in the intersection of faith, ethics, and technology, especially those keen on shaping digital environments for the common good.

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Best for custom ritual insights
This AI-created book on political rituals is tailored to your interests and background, focusing on the evolving social traditions influencing political life in 2025. You share what aspects of rituals and social change intrigue you most, along with your experience level and goals. The book is then crafted to explore exactly the topics that matter to you, incorporating the latest discoveries and emerging trends. This personalized approach helps you engage deeply with new insights shaping social and political rituals today.
2025·50-300 pages·Social Traditions, Political Rituals, Cultural Evolution, Community Cohesion, Ritual Innovation

This tailored book explores the dynamic landscape of social rituals shaping political life in 2025. It examines how emerging traditions influence societal behavior and political engagement, focusing on your unique interests and goals. By integrating the latest discoveries and cultural shifts, this personalized guide reveals the evolving role of rituals in modern social structures. With content tailored to match your background, it delves into how rituals foster identity, community cohesion, and political participation, providing a nuanced understanding of contemporary social traditions. This approach ensures you engage deeply with cutting-edge insights relevant to your perspective on political and social transformation.

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Best for interdisciplinary ethics readers
Rethinking Subsidiarity offers a unique interdisciplinary exploration of subsidiarity as a concept that transcends its traditional political context. By blending theology, philosophy, political science, law, and history, Martin Schlag and Boglárka Koller illuminate how this principle can inform ethical practices in society, business, and governance. The book addresses pressing contemporary challenges such as social inequity and ecological concerns, positioning subsidiarity as a middle ground between government control and individual freedom. This text is a valuable guide for those interested in ethical frameworks within social traditions and their application to modern organizational and societal issues.
2024·235 pages·Social Traditions, Political Science, Philosophy, Law, Business Ethics

What started as a deep dive into the organizational principle of subsidiarity led Martin Schlag and Boglárka Koller to uncover its broader implications across society, business, law, and politics. They examine how subsidiarity, rooted in the Catholic social tradition, can serve as a bridge between government intervention and individual autonomy, offering nuanced perspectives on responsible business practices and social equity. You’ll gain interdisciplinary insights spanning theology, philosophy, political science, and law, alongside practical reflections on ecological concerns and the common good, especially useful if you grapple with balancing authority and freedom in complex organizations. This book suits those keen on understanding the ethical underpinnings and contemporary relevance of subsidiarity beyond its usual political framing.

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Best for cross-cultural communicators
Navigating Vietnamese culture demands more than just surface understanding, and Joyce T.'s book answers that need with a thorough guide to social norms and etiquette. This work captures emerging insights into Vietnam’s traditions, from family and marriage protocols to professional conduct and gift-giving, making it a valuable resource for anyone stepping into Vietnamese social or business environments. It offers a clear framework that helps you decode subtle social cues and language nuances, easing cross-cultural adjustments whether for work or personal relationships. As Vietnam becomes more globally connected, this book provides the cultural context necessary to engage respectfully and confidently in its rich social landscape.
2023·194 pages·Social Traditions, Cultural Etiquette, Cross-Cultural Communication, Family Customs, Business Etiquette

What started as Joyce T.'s quest to bridge cultural gaps for foreigners living or working in Vietnam became a detailed manual to navigating Vietnamese social norms and etiquette. You’ll gain practical knowledge of everything from family hierarchy and wedding traditions to business meetings and gift-giving customs, with specific examples that clarify often subtle cultural cues. The book goes beyond surface-level advice by explaining language nuances and culinary traditions, helping you build authentic connections both professionally and personally. If you want to avoid common missteps and approach Vietnamese culture with confidence, this guide offers the insight you need without overwhelming you.

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Best for faith-driven finance thinkers
Counting the Cost offers a fresh lens on social traditions by linking Catholic Social Teaching directly to financial decision-making. It presents a thoughtful framework for interpreting budgeting and monetary choices as expressions of faith and discipleship, rather than mere technical tasks. The book addresses timely questions about priorities and values amid economic challenges, making it relevant for individuals and faith communities striving to align their finances with gospel-inspired commitments. This work stands out for its practical theological perspective, inviting readers to reconsider money management through the call of the Sermon on the Mount and explore how these ancient teachings shape modern financial stewardship.
2023·192 pages·Social Traditions, Financial Planning, Discipleship, Budgeting, Catholic Teaching

Drawing from theological insights and Catholic Social Teaching, Clemens Sedmak and Kelli Reagan Hickey explore how faith shapes financial decisions in everyday life. This book guides you through a spiritual discernment process that redefines budgeting and money management as acts of discipleship, not mere economics. You’ll find thoughtful reflections on how gospel values influence priorities during scarcity and stewardship, alongside practical examples transforming monetary choices into commitments aligned with faith. This approach suits anyone wanting to integrate Christian ethics deeply into personal or communal finances, especially those involved in parish or diocesan budgeting who seek a values-driven framework.

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Best for personal ethical frameworks
This AI-created book on digital ethics is designed around your background, interests, and goals. You share how you engage with technology and social traditions, and the book focuses on the ethical questions and frameworks most relevant to you. By tailoring the content to your specific interests, it helps you navigate the evolving digital landscape with clarity and purpose. This personalized approach makes exploring virtue ethics in online communities both accessible and deeply meaningful.
2025·50-300 pages·Social Traditions, Virtue Ethics, Digital Technology, Online Communities, Ethical Decision Making

This tailored book explores the intersection of virtue ethics with modern technology and evolving social traditions, focusing on your unique interests and knowledge background. It examines how ethical principles can guide behavior in online communities, revealing ways to foster trust, respect, and integrity in digital spaces. The content reflects the latest developments of 2025, keeping you informed about emerging research and contemporary challenges. By crafting a personalized approach, the book matches your goals and curiosity, making complex ethical concepts accessible and relevant to your understanding of technology’s social impact. It invites you to consider how traditional virtues adapt and apply in the digital age.

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Conclusion

Together, these five books reveal clear themes shaping the future of Social Traditions: the intersection of technology and virtue, the evolving role of rituals in political identity, and the nuanced balance between autonomy and collective responsibility. They invite us to rethink social norms amid modern challenges.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with The Politics of Ritual for a nuanced look at citizenship and community. For cutting-edge application of ethics in digital and financial realms, combine Virtue in Virtual Spaces and Counting the Cost. Those navigating cross-cultural environments will find Understanding Vietnamese Culture and Etiquette invaluable.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Social Traditions book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with The Politics of Ritual if you're interested in how social rituals shape political life—it’s highly recommended by Eddie S. Glaude Jr. For digital ethics, Virtue in Virtual Spaces offers a fresh perspective. Choose based on your primary interest to get the most from your reading.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Social Traditions?

Not at all. While some books like Rethinking Subsidiarity engage interdisciplinary theory, others such as Understanding Vietnamese Culture and Etiquette provide accessible, practical insights suitable for newcomers exploring social traditions.

What's the best order to read these books?

Consider beginning with Understanding Vietnamese Culture and Etiquette for practical cultural context, then explore Counting the Cost and Virtue in Virtual Spaces for ethical frameworks, and finish with The Politics of Ritual and Rethinking Subsidiarity for deeper theoretical perspectives.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can certainly focus on one that aligns most closely with your interests. However, each book explores different facets of Social Traditions, so reading multiple can provide a richer, more nuanced understanding.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Rethinking Subsidiarity and The Politics of Ritual lean toward theoretical exploration, while Understanding Vietnamese Culture and Etiquette and Counting the Cost offer practical guidance for real-world social and financial situations.

How can personalized Social Traditions books complement these expert recommendations?

Personalized books complement expert insights by tailoring the latest research to your specific background and goals. They help you focus on areas most relevant to you, making the knowledge from books like Virtue in Virtual Spaces even more actionable. Learn more here.

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