For all this apparent ubiquity, the term ‘cultural studies’ remains an unusually ‘polysemic’ sign. The academic field of ‘Cultural Studies’ has experienced a major worldwide growth in the last 25 years of the 20th century. Everyone uses and discusses the abstract noun ‘culture’, but its exact meaning varies to such an extent, that it seems necessary to examine the different notions of culture: As a matter of fact, ‘culture’ is one of the most complex words of the English language; only ‘nature’ denotes more meanings. One can say that there is hardly anything that is not culture.
Table of Contents
1. Different Notions of ‘Culture’
Objectives & Thematic Focus
The objective of this text is to analyze the multifaceted and polysemic nature of the term "culture" within the academic discipline of Cultural Studies. It investigates how various scholars have historically defined the concept and explores the transition from elite definitions of culture to broader, more inclusive understandings that encompass societal practices, politics, and daily life.
- The historical emergence of Cultural Studies as an academic field.
- Dictionary-based definitions vs. theoretical sociological interpretations.
- Raymond Williams’ classification of the "ideal," "documentary," and "social" aspects of culture.
- Aleida Assmann’s six-fold differentiation of the term, ranging from value-free to value-bearing definitions.
- The tension between elite/canonical culture and popular/mass culture.
Excerpt from the Book
Different Notions of ‘Culture’
For all this apparent ubiquity, the term ‘cultural studies’ remains an unusually ‘polysemic’ sign. (Millner/Browitt 1)
The academic field of ‘Cultural Studies’ has experienced a major worldwide growth in the last 25 years of the 20th century. (cf. Millner/Browitt 1) Everyone uses and discusses the abstract noun ‘culture’, but its exact meaning varies to such an extent, that it seems necessary to examine the different notions of culture: As a matter of fact, ‘culture’ is one of the most complex words of the English language; only ‘nature’ denotes more meanings. (cf. Eagleton 1) One can say that there is hardly anything that is not culture.
To begin with, the consultation of a renowned dictionary provides a first glimpse of the polysemic use of ‘culture’. According to the Collins Cobuild Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary the term signifies the following (342):
1. Culture consists of activities such as the arts and philosophy, which are considered to be important for the development of civilization and of people’s mind. […]
2. A culture is a particular society or civilization, especially considered in relation to its beliefs, way of life, or art. […]
3. The culture of a particular organization or group consists of the habits of the people in it and the way they generally behave. […]
Summary of Chapters
1. Different Notions of ‘Culture’: This chapter provides a historical and theoretical overview of the term "culture," contrasting linguistic definitions with sociological perspectives provided by key thinkers like Raymond Williams, Stuart Hall, and Aleida Assmann.
Keywords
Culture, Cultural Studies, Polysemy, Raymond Williams, Aleida Assmann, Elite Culture, Popular Culture, Identity Politics, Civilization, Social Change, Literary Criticism, Humanities, Identity, Sociology, Anthropology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject matter of this text?
The text examines the complexity and polysemic nature of the term "culture," particularly as it is used within the academic field of Cultural Studies.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The thematic focus includes the historical development of Cultural Studies, the shift from high-culture elitism to inclusive social definitions, and the interplay between individual habits, societal norms, and political structures.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The aim is to demonstrate that "culture" cannot be defined by a single heading, but rather exists as a multifaceted concept that reflects human activities, internalised behaviors, and societal values.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a qualitative, comparative-theoretical approach by synthesizing definitions from dictionary entries and influential works by scholars such as Raymond Williams, Stuart Hall, and Aleida Assmann.
What key topics are addressed in the main part of the text?
The text focuses on the institutional birth of Cultural Studies at the Birmingham School, the evolution of the term "culture" from the Latin "colere," and the critique of elite canonical culture.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Cultural Studies, Polysemy, Identity Politics, Social Change, Elite Culture, and the theoretical contributions of Raymond Williams and Aleida Assmann.
How does Raymond Williams classify the concept of culture?
Williams proposes three main categories: the "ideal" (perfection), the "documentary" (intellectual and imaginative works), and the "social" (a particular way of life).
What is the significance of the Latin root "colere" mentioned in the text?
It provides the etymological origin of "culture," originally referring to the tending of natural growth, which laid the foundation for modern terms like "agriculture" and "horticulture."
How do "value-free" and "value-bearing" definitions differ according to Assmann?
Value-free definitions refer to neutral descriptions of human activity or geographical formations, whereas value-bearing definitions are normative, often associated with civilization, elite standards, and the control of natural instincts.
- Quote paper
- Eliana Briel (Author), 2012, Different Notions of 'Culture', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/287928
