Brian Longhurst

The textbook begins by examining the ways in which popular music is produced, before moving on to explore its structure as text and the ways in which audiences understand and use music. Packed with examples and data on the contemporary production and consumption of popular music, the book also includes overviews and critiques of theoretical approaches to this exciting area of study and outlines the most important empirical studies which have shaped the discipline. Topics covered include: The contemporary organisation of the music industry; The effects of technological change on production; The history and politics of popular music; Gender, sexuality and ethnicity; Subcultures; Fans and music celebrities. For this new edition, two whole new chapters have been added: on performance and the body, and on the very latest ways of thinking about audiences and the spaces and places of music consumption.

Popular Music and Society

Greg Smith

Gary Crawford

Miles Ogborn

Gaynor Bagnall

A rapidly changing world – in part driven by huge transformations in technology and mobility - means we all encounter shifting cultures, and new cultural and social interactions daily. Powerful forces such as consumption and globalization exert an enormous influence on all walks and levels of life across both space and time. Cultural Studies remains at the vanguard of consideration of these issues. This completely revised second edition of Introducing Cultural Studies gives a systematic overview of the concepts, theories, debates and latest research in the field. Reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of Cultural Studies, it first considers cultural theory before branching out to examine different dimensions of culture in detail. Key features: Collaboratively authored by an interdisciplinary team Closely cross-referenced between chapters and sections to ensure an integrated presentation of ideas Figures, diagrams, cartoons and photographs help convey ideas and stimulate Key Influence, Defining Concepts, and Extract boxes focus in on major thinkers, ideas and works Examines culture along the dividing lines of class, race and gender Weblinks and Further Reading sections encourage and support further investigation Changes for this edition: Brand new chapter addresses how culture is researched and knowledge in cultural studies is produced Brand new chapter on the Postmodernisation of Everyday Life Includes hot topics such as globalization, youth subcultures, ‘virtual’ cultures, body modification, new media, technologically-assisted social networking and many more This text will be core reading for undergraduates and postgraduates in a variety of disciplines - including Cultural Studies, Communication and Media Studies, English, Geography, Sociology, and Social Studies – looking for a clear and comprehensible introduction to the field.

Brian Longhurst

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