Cultural Sociology

Cultural Sociology: An Introduction is the first dedicated student textbook to address cultural sociology as a legitimate model for sociological thinking and research. Highly renowned authors present a rich overview of major sociological themes and the various empirical applications of cultural sociology.  A timely introductory overview to this increasingly significant field which provides invaluable summaries of key studies and approaches within cultural sociology Clearly written and designed, with accessible summaries of thematic topics, covering race, class, politics, religion, media, fashion, and music International experts contribute chapters in their field of research, including a chapter by David Chaney, a founder of cultural sociology Offers a unified set of theoretical and methodological tools for those wishing to apply a cultural sociological approach in their work

Notes on Authors vii Preface ix Glossary of Terms xiii Part I: Theory and Method 1 Starting toWrite a History of the Present Day: Culture and Sociology 3 David Chaney 2 Defining Cultural Sociology 19 3 Methodological Issues in Cultural Sociology 31 Part II: New Cultural Identities 4 Class, Culture and Social Difference 47 5 Gender and Sexuality 63 6 Racism, ‘Race’ and Difference 77 7 Bodies and Identities 91 Part III: Fragmented Ideology 8 Politics and Culture 107 9 Globalization 121 10 Culture and Religion 133 Part IV: Leisure and Lifestyle 11 Popular Music: Place, Identity, Community 151 12 Fashion Logics and the Cultural Economy: The Social Power of Tastes, Aesthetics and Style 163 13 Food, Eating and Culture 177 14 Media, Culture and Public Life 189 References 201 Index 219