Cultural Theory: Classical and Contemporary Positions

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.