Cultural Theory
Classical and Contemporary Positions
- Tim Edwards - University of Leicester, UK
- David Oswell, Goldsmiths College
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, transnationalsim, feminism, popular music and cultural citizenship, it demonstrates the relevance of cultural sociology in elucidating some of the key questions of our time.
This book spans all the major theories of culture and gives an amazing account on the theoretical discussions on the subject
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
An inspirational text that emphasises why cultural sociology is needed to interrogate the realities of 2015. Highly recommended
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.
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.
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.
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.