The Visual in Social Theory - Softcover

Woodiwiss, Anthony

9780485006186: The Visual in Social Theory

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0485006189 ISBN 13: 9780485006186

Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd., 2001

The distinction between understanding sight as a natural faculty - vision - and understanding it as an historical and social construct - visuality - has had significant impact in the visual arts. Not so in social theory where, notwithstanding the efforts of the classical theorists, the practical scientific necessity of privileging visuality over vision has been lost. The Visual in Social Theory argues that - because of its uncritical use of terms like modernity, postmodernity, globalisation, and the Third Way - contemporary social theory has become a participant in rather than a critic of 'promotional culture'. In short, in forgetting its past social theory has effectively forsaken its future. The Visual in Social Theory aims to restore the self-discipline and critical edge intrinsic to any analytical work on visuality. The book will be essential reading not only for those interested in contemporary debates around vision but a broader readership concerned for the critical relevance of contemporary social theory.

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Review:

"Clear, lively and succinct, Critical and Cultural Theory introduces the student to the central theories and theorists of contemporary culture. Short, accessible chapters, with hypertext links throughout, allow the reader to follow their own route through the ideas and themes. An ideal text." David Bell, Cultural Studies, Staffordshire University, UK "Written in jargon-free, lucid prose, Critical and Cultural Theory will be indispensable reading for students who need a comprehensible but nonetheless sophisticated introduction to the most important concepts and debates that have shaped Anglo-American intellectual life in the Humanities." Daniel Horowitz, American Studies, Smith College, USA"

About the Author:

Anthony Woodiwiss is Professor of Sociology at City University and the author of Social Theory After Postmodernism and Postmodernity USA

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