Culture: Reinventing the Social Sciences

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Mark J. Smith

• Language: English

• Cover: Hardcover

• ISBN: 9788131610527

About the Book

Over the past three decades, social science has undergone a significant transformation, particularly in how we understand the concept of culture. This book delves into the profound shift in cultural theory and its impact on social inquiry. Mark J. Smith explores the evolution of the term ‘culture’—from a hierarchical system of classification to a contested and multifaceted space—and examines its implications for contemporary research across various social science disciplines.

By rethinking the meaning of culture, Smith argues that cultural theory can bridge the gaps between disciplinary and interdisciplinary analysis. This transformation has reshaped the way society is researched, with cultural shifts influencing fields such as sociology, psychology, politics, geography, and the study of crime. The book illustrates how these changes in cultural meaning have redefined the landscape of social science research.

Smith’s work offers a compelling and focused discussion of culture’s central role in postdisciplinary social science. He argues that culture is no longer a peripheral concept but an essential element in understanding contemporary society. This text is invaluable for students and researchers who seek to explore the cultural dimensions of social science and understand the evolving nature of cultural inquiry in social research.