Culture and the Public Sphere

This insightful exploration of cultural policy reveals its complexities and connections to politics, particularly in Culture and the Public Sphere.

In Culture and the Public Sphere, the author delves into the intricate relationship between cultural policy and cultural politics, offering a critical and multi-dimensional perspective. Drawing upon the influential theories of Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and Jürgen Habermas, the book explores various facets of cultural policy, including the American 'culture war' and the impacts of post-Fordist restructuring on cultural industries. This exploration is not just theoretical; it is grounded in real-world examples that illustrate the complexities of cultural governance today.

Jim McGuigan presents cultural policy as a reflection of broader cultural politics, engaging with recent initiatives in countries like Britain, the United States, and Australia. He examines the rise of market reasoning within arts administration, highlighting how economic considerations have begun to shape cultural decisions. Additionally, the book addresses the intersections of urban regeneration and the arts, the implications of heritage tourism, and the critical issues surrounding race, identity, and cultural citizenship.

Moreover, Culture and the Public Sphere tackles pressing concerns such as censorship and moral regulation, alongside the evolving role of computer-mediated communication in fostering democratic discourse. By weaving together these themes, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of how cultural policies are formulated and their significance in contemporary society.