Culture: Critical Concepts in Sociology

Description

'Culture' is an extremely complex and highly contested concept. The idea of culture embraces a range of topics, processes, differences and even paradoxes. The history, various usages and different meanings of 'Culture' derive from diverse areas of study, including philosophy, critical aesthetics, literary criticism, anthropology, and sociology. These volumes will introduce the reader to these multi-facets of the concept and the wide and often contradictory variety of interpretations that have been and continue to be placed on it. The diverse meanings and interpretations of the concept are also reflected in the interdisciplinary nature of the articles collected. The articles include classic material from the leading figures in their fields such as Durkheim, Benjamin, Adorno, Bourdieu, Simmel, Baudelaire, T.S. Eliot, and compliment newer readings from contemporary journals. The structure of the collection places culture within a history of ideas, and also enables the reader to review different arguments and perspectives on the topic. The four volumes are divided into the following sections: * Culture, Social Structure and Civilisation * Culture, Idealism and Belief * Culture and Materialism * Culture and Stratification * Cultural Reproduction * Subculture * Visual Culture * Urban Culture A general introduction by the editor guides the reader in their recognition of differences and similarities in approach and the 'voice' or motive that lies behind such forms of discourse. In addition, individual section introductions will provide an explanation of the ordering principles of each sub-section. The collection is completed with a thorough index, allowing the reader to trace alternative groupings across the four volumes.