Abstract
Although it had once been conventional to treat culture as a “characteristic” or “feature” of societies, many cultural sociologists now emphasize the importance of examining cultures as actively constructed. This chapter explores the theoretical stakes of the shift to analyzing culture from a micro- or meso-level of analysis. Culture can be conceptualized as actions, material objects, performances, and forms of discourse used by groups. In this view, culture is a tool situated in local communities, shaping the contours of civic life. As a result, culture is tied to shared pasts and prospective futures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Routledge Handbook of Cultural Sociology |
Subtitle of host publication | Second Edition |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Pages | 247-256 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781351974103 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781138288621 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2018 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)
- General Business, Management and Accounting
- General Arts and Humanities
- General Social Sciences