Understanding Culture and Cultural Studies: A Sociological Perspective

In the realm of culture, Stephen Duncombe emphasizes the abstract products that stem from a community's cultural capacity. This includes knowledge, beliefs, values, and technology that collectively form the foundation of social action. On the other hand, cultural studies delve into how societies generate and express shared meanings through various mediums.

Exploring Stephen Duncombe's Concept of Culture

Stephen Duncombe's perspective on culture resonates with sociological paradigms that highlight the diverse components of cultural expression. Culture, as Duncombe defines it, encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects of a community's identity and social interactions. This shared cultural background fosters communication and shared understanding among individuals, though differences in interpretation and values may lead to conflicts.

Unpacking Cultural Studies

While the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) do not provide specific definitions of cultural studies in the referenced materials, the field generally examines the creation and maintenance of shared meanings within societies. Cultural studies investigate how cultural expressions like art, music, fashion, and technology shape social practices, relationships, power dynamics, and identities within communities.

Frameworks in Cultural Studies

Cultural studies often utilize frameworks such as functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism to analyze cultural phenomena. These frameworks help to elucidate the functions of culture within societies, the conflicts that may arise due to cultural differences, and the role of cultural symbols in shaping individuals' everyday interactions.