Cultural Studies

Cultural studies seems like a very broad subjective field of research. When the author, Jean Franco, states that cultural studies, "offers a democratic view of culture and embraces a spectrum of methodologies" (p. 209), I imagine a once loosely based field of study organized into a more constructive and systematic approach to culture. As Franco notes, cultural studies are not driven by just one or two theoretical approaches. Apparently, culture can be studied from several different disciplines, from economics and politics to history and sexuality. Depending on the nation studying culture, different approaches might be taken. Britain has adopted a Marxist view, looking at historical changes in culture (eg. art, literature, and institutions). The U.S. study of culture incorporates more influences of culture and not just those rooted in history. An American researcher might look at race and gender on the Internet. This move tries to include as many cultural influences as possible. This further clarifies what Franco means by "[embracing] a spectrum of methodologies."