Critics of cultural theory espoused that it has become irrelevant in the modern age where terrorism (Eagleton, 2004 cited in Smith 2004), among others abounds. Further, they argued that it was not effective in dealing with the issues of "morality, metaphysics, love, religion, revolution, death and suffering" (Smith 2004 par.6). On the other hand, Milner & Browitt (2002) agreed that cultural theory is still significant even in modern society. Literatures were reviewed to present the merits of cultural theory as well as, if necessary, further arguments against it. A logical presentation of information gathered from the review is done to clearly show varied opinions about cultural theory in understanding culture. Thus, as a start, definition of cultural theory must be presented in relation to understanding culture whether in classical period or contemporary or modern society
[...] Thus, in the end he was able to define cultural theory as a tool to explain nature of culture and its implications for social life” (p.4). Thus, cultural studies focus on understanding how a certain cultural incident relates to “ideology, nationality, ethnicity, social class and gender” (Serrat p. 1). Theoretical Content Marxian Ideology The classical social theories dominated the field of cultural theory per Karl Marx, Durkheim, Weber and Simmel's earlier works (Smith 2001 p. 6). Marx espoused culture as founded by an “economic base” (Smith 2001 p. [...]
[...] Complexity of culture then requires a systematic analysis of information in order to address and understand the needs of each cultural formation by gathering “social facts” (Smith p. 9). Social facts can only be gathered through analysis of interactions among humans. Levi-Strauss (1974 cited in Alexander & Smith p.135) expanded this notion towards analysis of cultural variations that includes cultural principles. Simmel (1978 cited in Smith 2001 p. 18) contradicted Marx's view by suggesting that culture is not based on the class system of the economy but rather on interactions that focuses on exchange as represented by money. [...]
[...] Mother of All Path Dependencies toward a Cross- Cultural Theory of Corporate Governance Systems”. Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, Vol pp. 147- Swidler, A. (1995) “Chapter Cultural Power and Social Movements” from the book “Social Movements and Culture” edited by Johnston, H. & Klandermans, B., University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis) 18. Wildavsky, A & Dake, K. (1990). “Theories of Risk Perception: Who fears what and Journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Vol No pp.41- Shepherd, J. & Wicke, P. [...]
[...] Cultural influence on human action: terrorism The terrorist attack in the United States in September can be explained from the perspective of cultural theory (Doran, 2008) particularly in analysis of social forces that influence terrorist behaviors by giving significance to their opinions, behavior and feelings. Doing this brings back cultural theory to interdisciplinary mode as against the current compartmentalization of its basic social tenets. Beiner (n.d.) noted in history that fascists who were frustrated and were not able to gain control of their states turned to terrorism. [...]
[...] Many Faces of The Cultural Theory of Risk: An Antropological Critique”, Summary of Meeting Paper, The 1996 Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis-Europe (1996). Retrieved on 5 February 2010 from http://www.riskworld.com/Abstract/1996/sraeurop/ab6ad142.htm\ 8. Alexander, J. & Smith, P. (2002). “Handbook of Sociological Theory”, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York 9. Milner, A. & Browitt, Jeff ( 2002 “Contemporary Cultural Theory” 3rd ed., Routledge, London 10. Eckstein, H. (1988). Culturalist Theory of Political Change” The American Political Science Review, Vol No pp. [...]
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