Hey there, do you want to know about some key concepts of cultural studies? The best essay writer services are here for your service! Thanks to the ample experience that our cultural studies experts have, we are here with a blog that tells you in detail about all the basic concepts! So, if you are eager to know what are the most explored topics in cultural studies, give this blog a read!
Representation
One of the key concepts of cultural studies includes representation which focuses on how the world is shown to us or portrayed in meaningful ways. The actual meaning of representation is exactly what fits the mold here but, since it is in cultural studies, the definition and exploration get a little bit specific. By this, we mean that in cultural studies, the main emphasis is on studying culture by the different representations of it around. To be able to do so, we comprehend all the related texts that talk about culture and culture depiction. Not only this, but while observing the representations, we also analyze different material objects in which these meanings and representations are embedded such as images, magazines, objects, and so on.
Materialism
Materialism in cultural studies tries to find out how and why particular meanings are attributed at the time of production. It is basically a theoretical framework that is used for examining inter-relationships between the economic and physical phases of production. Moreover, the concept of materialism in cultural studies is concerned with the exploration of different values and beliefs that linger worldwide regarding a particular society. In simpler terms, this concept explores how different cultures inscribe meanings to a particular object and how this representation differs from other cultures. For instance, the bird turkey is a symbol of thanksgiving in the culture of the west. It is a sacred culture that most families follow biblically even to this day. Cultural studies then try to examine how that bird became a symbol so meaningful in western culture.
Non-reductionism
The phenomenon of non-reductionism states that each culture has its own rules, practices, and rituals that are unique to them. But, those things should not be generalized to define the entire culture as a whole. This phenomenon states that culture should in no way be reduced to a conception just because of a particular belief or set of beliefs. In addition to this, non-reductionism in cultural studies states that meaning should not be judged on the basis of economic reductionism. This is because cultural values have no business in trying to pronounce the economic conditions/ growth of a culture. It argues that the individuality of culture, religion, politics, and economy should be preserved and intermingled.
Articulation
The concept of articulation in cultural studies acts as a link between cultural and social phenomena. It is basically a theory that is concerned with the powerful consequences of the strong and influential principles and beliefs that contribute to a whole ideology. It is concerned with how articulatory processes determine appropriate cultural practices for the use of their own. It is really critical to analyze how different cultural theorists perceive the world and track articulated concepts participating in perception shaping. It can also be called a method that is used to analyze culture.
Power
Power in cultural studies can be defined as a force that allows you to exercise authority over others. It can be defined as a force or capacity that allows one person or a unit to impose their will on other. The concept of power is much explored in cultural studies because they tend to understand and unveil what leads to this sometimes unjust distribution of authority. The cultural theorist who explore these phenomena explore power on all levels of social relationships. They believe that power is a force that is necessary for culture as it acts as a glue that holds different groups in unity. Moreover, it also helps in sustaining society and keeping law and order in check.
Popular Culture
The literal study of popular culture in cultural studies is related to the set of beliefs, objects, and practices that combine to emit a shared meaning within a social system. More commonly, it is recognized by the individuals of society as they are the ones who are truly responsible for their culture being popularity. The people within that particular system have the power and authority to turn any social practice into part of popular culture at any given point. Â It is also associated with the feelings and sentiments of people within a system since popular culture is the result of their interaction with outside objects. Â
Subjectivity And Identity
The sense of individuality and self-actualization is what identity is all about. It is the sense of being distinctive and different from the rest. Cultural studies explore how an individual comes to become the kind of person that he is. In addition to this, cultural theorist explore a lot to find out how a person becomes a subject and how he or she identifies himself or herself as a male or female. This exploration also extends to the races as well; how a person identifies himself or herself as a black or a white person based on the culture. They argue that identities are created rather than found through the help of language and various representations.
This brings us to the end of this topic and the blog too for that matter. These were a few key terms around which the basis of cultural studies is formed. The exploration in the field of cultural studies normally targets these key concepts and reaches a conclusion based on the concepts that we have just shared with you. We hope that this blog helps the best essay writer services have helped you in finding the answers that you were looking for. If you have any more queries, you can contact our cultural studies experts at Essay Writers Hub and get all the academic assistance that you truly deserve!
