Culture is a concept that has remained on the top of the agenda within the social sciences for two decades. It incites controversy and debate and always appears fresh. This book, updated throughout and with new sections on visual culture, urban culture and subcultures, argues that to understand the concept we need to locate it within traditions of thought and appreciate its political and ideological bases. The book looks at the concept of culture in the context of idealism and materialism, examining its relation to the notion of social structure and assessing its once assumed monopoly within literary study.

Culture remains stimulating throughout. A standard reference text for students on sociology and cultural studies courses, this second concise and student-friendly edition offers an overview over the sociology of culture in an accessible format.

Reviews

Praise for the previous edition:
'A very good book - jam-packed with clear, erudite and insightful discussions of the history and varying usages and meanings of the concept of culture. It is a well balanced and well written text.' - Eric Dunning, Leicester University, UK

'Jenks gives us a marvellously clear overview of where we have been going in cultural studies.' - John O'Neill, York University, Toronto, Canada

Book Information
ISBN 9780415338684
Author Chris Jenks
Format Paperback
Page Count 246
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 460g