Fictions of Collective Life: Public drama in late modern culture

Fictions of Collective Life argues that modern popular culture can only be understood through the ways we dramatize public life and represent the terms of social order. It provides a framework for understanding any popular cultural form of modernity and offers a distinctive sociological perspective on the relationship between individual and community in popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1993, Fictions of Collective Life delves into the intricate tapestry of modern popular culture, contending that its unique manifestations can only be fully comprehended through the lens of how we depict and dramatize public life. Within its pages, the author presents a compelling argument, supported by a wealth of chapters that explore the theoretical essence of performance in modernity, the groundbreaking role of photography as the first medium of mass representation, the dynamics of public discourse in the context of mass democracy, the creation of spaces for theatrical performances, and the intricate marketing strategies employed to disseminate culture and communication through vast mass systems of distribution.

The overarching goal of this book is to establish a comprehensive framework that enables us to understand and analyze the diverse range of popular cultural forms that characterize modernity. By drawing upon and adapting the extensive body of knowledge within cultural studies, the author presents a distinctive and innovative sociological perspective on the intricate interplay between individual and community within the realm of popular culture. Moreover, the author delves into the distinctive characteristics of change that have emerged in late-modern and postmodern culture, offering valuable insights into the evolving social and cultural landscape.

This book holds immense appeal to students of sociology, cultural studies, and related disciplines, as it provides a rich and comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics that shape our contemporary world. Through its thoughtful analysis and insightful perspectives, Fictions of Collective Life offers a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted tapestry of modern popular culture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032424866