Postmodernism and Popular Culture

In this book John Docker includes a tour of the history of modernism, consideration of the development of postmodernism, explanation of structuralism and poststructuralism and discussion of the debates around each. It combines polemical force with intellectual rigour, reclaiming popular culture from the forces opposed to it. In this provocative and timely book, John Docker takes his readers on an intellectual adventure. The journey includes an introductory guided tour of the history of modernism, consideration of the development of postmodernism, explanation of the difference between structuralism and poststructuralism and discussion of the debates and conflicts around each. Along the way readers will visit the architecture of Le Corbusier, take a ride on the Sydney monorail, watch Prisoner (Cell Block H) on TV, come into contact with Derrida, read some crime fiction and enter into the world of carnival. The book engages, in a stimulating and illuminating way, with some of the most important academic debates of our time. It combines polemical force with intellectual rigour, reclaiming popular culture from the forces opposed to it. John Docker's personal style and accessible prose will introduce postmodernism to many interested general readers and students intimidated by other dense, theoretical tracts. The breadth and intelligence of his cultural history will make the book essential reading for scholars, in a range of disciplines, around the world.

Brings together eleven recent essays by Angela McRobbie in a collection which deals with the issues which have dominated cultural studies over the last ten years. Postmodernism and Popular Culture brings together eleven recent essays by Angela McRobbie in a collection which deals with the issues which have dominated cultural studies over the last ten years.A key theme is the notion of postmodernity as a space for social change and political potential. McRobbie explores everyday life as a site of immense social and psychic complexity to which she argues that cultural studies scholars must return through ethnic and empirical work; the sound of living voices and spoken language. She also argues for feminists working in the field to continue to question the place and meaning of feminist theory in a postmodern society. In addition, she examines the new youth cultures as images of social change and signs of profound social transformation.Bringing together complex ideas about cultural studies today in a lively and accessible format, Angela McRobbie's new collection will be of immense value to all teachers and students of the subject.