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Cultural Theory
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Cultural Theory
Classical and Contemporary Positions

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August 2007 | 304 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
The 'cultural turn' has been one of the most distinctive features of sociology in the last two decades. Partly in response to the challenge of cultural studies, sociologists have rediscovered the sociology of culture produced by some of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and developed it in adventurous ways.

This timely volume provides a framework for understanding the cultural turn in terms of the classical legacy, contemporary cultural theory, and cultural analysis. It reveals the significance of Marxist humanism, Georg Simmel, the Frankfurt School, Stuart Hall, and the Birmingham School, Giddens, Bauman, Foucault, Bourdieu and Baudrillard. Readers receive a dazzling, critical survey of some of the primary figures in the field. However, the book is much more than a rough guide tour through the 'great figures' in the field. Through an analysis of specific problems, such as transculturalism, transnationalism, feminism, popular music, and cultural citizenship, it demonstrates the relevance of cultural sociology in elucidating some of the key questions of our time.

Well judged and assured, the book will be of interest to students of cultural sociology and cultural studies.

 
PART ONE: THE LEGACY OF SOCIOLOGY
 
Cultural Analysis In Marxist Humanism
John Scott
Georg Simmel
Chris Rojek
The Frankfurt School
Douglas Kellner
Stuart Hall and The Birmingham School
Chris Rojek
Giddens and Cultural Analysis - Absent Word and Central Concept
John Scott
PART TWO: CONTEMPORARY CULTURAL THEORY
 
Zygmunt Bauman, Culture and Sociology
Peter Beilharz
Foucault: Interpretive Analytics and the Constitution of the Social
Tim May & Jason Powell
Framing Bourdieu
Derek Robbins
'Speculation To The Death': Jean Baudrillard's Theoretical Violence
William Merrin
PART THREE: CONTEMPORARY CULTURAL ANALYSIS
 
Reconceptualizing Representation and Identity: Issues of Transculturalism and Transnationalism In the Intersection of Feminism and Cultural Sociology
Ann Brooks
Feminist Knowledge and Socio-cultural Research: Ethno-mimesis, Feminist Praxis and The Visual Turn
Maggie O'Neill
Popular Music
Eamonn Carrabine
Cultural Citizenship: Questions of Consumerism, Consumption and Policy

This book spans all the major theories of culture and gives an amazing account on the theoretical discussions on the subject

Professor Nuno Jeronimo
Sociology , Universidade da Beira Interior
June 30, 2015

A fantastic guide to cultural studies for any student that is considering to analyse the current cultural issues. The book is very easy to grasp and uses current exaples to illustrate the points. An extremly valuable read for any undergraduate student

Mr Fergus Hogan
Department of Applied Arts, Waterford Institute of Technology
May 22, 2015

An inspirational text that emphasises why cultural sociology is needed to interrogate the realities of 2015. Highly recommended

Ms Therese Lewis
Faculty of Health, Social Work & Educ, Northumbria University
March 17, 2015

The book presents a thorough analysis for some of the critical issues that frame contemporary art and design practice in the most comprehensive way. Intense and well laid-out, the texts can be a brilliant companion for young and experienced researchers in the field of cultural theory and socio-political context.

Miss Liana Psarologaki
Arts, Business and Social Science, University Campus Suffolk
February 24, 2015

A fascinating collection of writing from leading academics, that calls for more dialogue between sociologists and cultural theorists. Parts I and II are more theoretical and Part III is on how these theories can be applied to research and policy. The concepts are rather complex for an undergraduate course and the writing style can be a little dense. Suggest this book is more suitable for postgraduate researchers. A stimulating and very enjoyable read, however.

Mrs Udeni Salmon
Salford Business School, Salford University
June 11, 2014

A very successful collection of articles dealing with the well-known figures of cultural studies, their approaches to the concept of culture and how cultural theory evolves in time. Well-organized and comprehensive, as well as critical in its scope. I have recommended it to all my students.

Dr Hakan Ongur
Department of Political Science, TOBB University of Economic & Tech
January 22, 2014

This text is supremely useful in that it provides students with an accessible framework with which to understand the importance of Cultural Studies in Sociology.

Dr Jill O'Mahony
Department of Applied Arts, Waterford Institute of Technology
October 20, 2011

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction PDF

Chapter One PDF


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