Why Cultural Studies?

Why Cultural Studies? is a rallying call for a reinvigoration of the project of cultural studies that provides a critical analysis of its meteoric rise to the academic fore and makes a convincing argument for the pressing need for a renewed investment in, and re-evaluation of, its core ideals.

• Rodman argues that there are valuable lessons we can learn from cultural studies’ past that have the potential to lead cultural studies to an invigorated and viable future
• Makes the claim that cultural studies isn’t – and shouldn’t be – solely an academic subject, but open to both academics and non-academics alike
• Asserts that now more than ever cultural studies has a productive role to play in promoting social justice and building a better world
• Written by one of the leading figures in the area of cultural studies, and the current Chair of the Association for Cultural Studies

Preface vii

Acknowledgments xviii

1 Cultural Studies: What’s the Point? 1

2 Cultural Studies: What It Is 35

3 Cultural Studies: What’s Wrong 67

4 Cultural Studies: What It Was 120

5 Cultural Studies: What Next? 158

Index 199

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.