Description

Book Synopsis

Explains the key concepts, theories, and studies in the sociology of the artsthe fully updated new edition of the classic textbook

Sociology of the Arts is a comprehensive yet accessible review of sociological approaches to studying the fine, popular, and folk arts. Integrating scholarly literature, theoretical models, and empirical studies, this authoritative textbook provides balanced coverage of a broad range of essential topicsenabling a deeper understanding of the field as a whole. Throughout the text, numerous real-world case studies reinforce key concepts, stimulate classroom discussion, and encourage students to contemplate abstract theoretical issues central to the relationship between art and society.

Now in its second edition, this bestselling volume features fully revised content that reflects the most recent literature and research in the field. New discussion on the production and the consumption of culture are complemented by fresh perspect

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations vii

List of Tables ix

List of Figures xi

List of Boxes xiii

Preface and Acknowledgements xv

1 Introduction: What is Art? 1

Part I The Relationship between Art and Society 11

2 Reflection Approaches 13

Case Study 2.1 The Reflection of Race in Children’s Books 25

3 Shaping Approaches 29

Case Study 3.1 Violence in Popular Arts 43

4 A Mediated View: The Cultural Diamond 49

Part IIA The Cultural Diamond: The Production of Culture 53

5 Art Worlds and Artistic Fields 55

Case Study 5.1 From Academy to Public Sale 69

6 Businesses and Industries 75

Case Study 6.1 Innovation in Commercial Musical Theatre 89

7 Nonprofits and Networks 95

Case Study 7.1 Piccolos on the Picket Line: A Strike in the Symphony 108

8 Artists 113

Case Study 8.1 Nothing Succeeds Like Success: Careers in the Film Industry 129

Part IIB The Cultural Diamond: The Consumption of Culture 133

9 Consumption Approaches 135

Case Study 9.1 Romance Novels as Combat and Compensation 150

10 Sites and Experiences 155

Case Study 10.1 The Experience of Music 172

11 Identities 177

Case Study 11.1 Acropolis Now: National Identity and the Return of the Parthenon Marbles? 191

12 Distinction 199

Case Study 12.1 New Forms of Cultural Capital? Debates about Distinction 215

Part III Art in Society 221

13 The Art Itself 223

Case Study 13.1 The Renaissance Way of Seeing 241

14 The Constitution of Art in Society 245

Case Study 14.1 A Strange Sensation: Controversies in Art 263

Part IV Conclusion 269

15 Studying Art Sociologically 271

References 275

Index 299

Sociology of the Arts

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    A Paperback / softback by Victoria D. Alexander

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      Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
      Publication Date: 29/10/2020
      ISBN13: 9780470672884, 978-0470672884
      ISBN10: 0470672889

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Explains the key concepts, theories, and studies in the sociology of the artsthe fully updated new edition of the classic textbook

      Sociology of the Arts is a comprehensive yet accessible review of sociological approaches to studying the fine, popular, and folk arts. Integrating scholarly literature, theoretical models, and empirical studies, this authoritative textbook provides balanced coverage of a broad range of essential topicsenabling a deeper understanding of the field as a whole. Throughout the text, numerous real-world case studies reinforce key concepts, stimulate classroom discussion, and encourage students to contemplate abstract theoretical issues central to the relationship between art and society.

      Now in its second edition, this bestselling volume features fully revised content that reflects the most recent literature and research in the field. New discussion on the production and the consumption of culture are complemented by fresh perspect

      Table of Contents

      List of Illustrations vii

      List of Tables ix

      List of Figures xi

      List of Boxes xiii

      Preface and Acknowledgements xv

      1 Introduction: What is Art? 1

      Part I The Relationship between Art and Society 11

      2 Reflection Approaches 13

      Case Study 2.1 The Reflection of Race in Children’s Books 25

      3 Shaping Approaches 29

      Case Study 3.1 Violence in Popular Arts 43

      4 A Mediated View: The Cultural Diamond 49

      Part IIA The Cultural Diamond: The Production of Culture 53

      5 Art Worlds and Artistic Fields 55

      Case Study 5.1 From Academy to Public Sale 69

      6 Businesses and Industries 75

      Case Study 6.1 Innovation in Commercial Musical Theatre 89

      7 Nonprofits and Networks 95

      Case Study 7.1 Piccolos on the Picket Line: A Strike in the Symphony 108

      8 Artists 113

      Case Study 8.1 Nothing Succeeds Like Success: Careers in the Film Industry 129

      Part IIB The Cultural Diamond: The Consumption of Culture 133

      9 Consumption Approaches 135

      Case Study 9.1 Romance Novels as Combat and Compensation 150

      10 Sites and Experiences 155

      Case Study 10.1 The Experience of Music 172

      11 Identities 177

      Case Study 11.1 Acropolis Now: National Identity and the Return of the Parthenon Marbles? 191

      12 Distinction 199

      Case Study 12.1 New Forms of Cultural Capital? Debates about Distinction 215

      Part III Art in Society 221

      13 The Art Itself 223

      Case Study 13.1 The Renaissance Way of Seeing 241

      14 The Constitution of Art in Society 245

      Case Study 14.1 A Strange Sensation: Controversies in Art 263

      Part IV Conclusion 269

      15 Studying Art Sociologically 271

      References 275

      Index 299

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