French Literature Reviews - 2026

C. Detrez, Sociology of Culture
History, Politics and Society

Sociology of Culture
Christine Détrez

PUBLICATION DATE: 09/17/14 PUBLISHER: Armand Colin SERIES: Cursus. sociologie ISBN: 978-2-200-29064-1 EAN: 9782200290641 FORMAT: Paperback NO. OF PAGES: 191 p.

The sociology of culture, much like the very definitions of the word culture, is the subject of fascinating and frequently passionate debates and controversies. This book aims to present both theoretical and empirical research within the dynamic context of this vast and diverse field of study. Beyond the apparent oppositions between schools of thought, authors, methodologies, or approaches to culture, common ground and complementary perspectives emerge.

Furthermore, current debates sparked by digital revolutions, the rising prominence of gender studies, and the emergence of new audiences (children, fans) are addressed through the new areas of inquiry they open up and the methodological questions they pose to sociologists.

Christine Détrez is Associate Professor (HDR) in Sociology at the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon.

*

Contents:

THE CULTURE OF NUMBERS
CRITIQUES OF THE THEORY OF DISTINCTION AND CULTURAL DOMINATION
IS THE MODEL OF DISTINCTION OBSOLETE? SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES AND DIVERSIFYING APPROACHES TO CULTURAL PRACTICES
THE CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURAL STUDIES
THE SOCIOLOGY OF RECEPTION
CONTEMPORARY RENEWALS IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE.

The sociological study of cultural practices and institutions has long engaged with questions of taste, distinction, and social reproduction. Scholars in this field examine how symbolic goods are produced, distributed, and consumed across different social strata, often drawing on foundational theoretical frameworks while adapting them to changing historical conditions. The discipline encompasses diverse methodologies, ranging from quantitative surveys of cultural consumption to qualitative analyses of audience reception and media engagement within contemporary society.

Readers interested in the sociological analysis of cultural fields and contemporary debates surrounding artistic practices may find this volume relevant. The text outlines various approaches to studying culture, highlighting both historical perspectives and contemporary developments such as the impact of digital media and shifting audience dynamics. It presents an overview of ongoing discussions within the discipline without endorsing specific ideological positions or prescribing universal methodologies for cultural research.