With the increasing focus on the concept of culture by sociologists and other social scientists, there is now a need for clarifying and developing theoretical perspectives on this issue. The contributors to this volume have answered this call, each adding new insight to the debate over culture, its definition, and its relationship with other basic categories in sociological theory. Along the way they touch on other fundamental issues, such as the interrelationship of culture with society, the human personality, and the wider environment of the human condition.

This second edition of Cultural Theory provides a concise introduction to cultural theory, placing major figures, traditional concepts, and contemporary themes within a sharp conceptual framework. Provides a student-friendly introduction to what can often be a complex field of study Updates the first edition in response to reader feedback and to the changing nature of the field Includes additional coverage of theorists from the classical period to include Nietzsche and DuBois Introduces entirely new chapters on race and gender theory, and the body Considers themes that have become more important in theoretical activity in recent years such as computers and virtual reality, cosmopolitanism, and performance theory Draws on theories and theorists from continental Europe as well as the English-speaking world

This book examines the role of symbols and meaning in the development of mind, self, and emotion in culture.

p.122-142 mentions Australian patrilineal bands.

The award-winning anthropologist Sherry B. Ortner draws on her longstanding interest in theories of cultural practice to rethink key concepts of culture, agency, and subjectivity.

This theory of culture, a synthesis of thinking from Europe, the Americas and Asia, illustrates the function and meaning of culture rather than form. It fuses philosophy, anthropology, sociology, history, science, psychology, literature, literary criticism and linguistics all areas that a comprehensive theory must comprise because they constitute culture. The essence of culture is identity, or psychosocial homeostasis. A primary problem for cultural solution is the determination of what has identity. As social concepts, individuals can have identity in some cultures but not in others. Where identity is possible, it is generally derived from shared identities of defined groups and even of the culture itself. Essential identity of individuals, even in cultures that admit it, does not occur within the scope of culture. This theory concerns the possibilities and forms of culturally recognizable identity. The Editor of this book examines this Cultural Theory for the humanities.