From Class Struggle to the Politics of Pleasure

David Harris

This book examines the rise of cultural studies and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses. The author raises searching questions about the originality of cultural studies and its political motivation. Written with zest and a judicious sense of purpose it is a landmark work in cultural studies, media and the sociology of culture.

This is by far the most complete and critical analysis of cultural studies which we possess. It is organized logically and written in a clear and accessible style. The criticisms of Gramsci’s legacy with respect to data, narrowness, exclusive definitions of truth, elitism, circularity of argument, posturing etc, are well developed. An obvious undergraduate textbook’ – Bryan Turner, Professor of Sociology, Essex University

‘This is a fine study…I recommend this book strongly’ – Roland Robertson, Professor of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh

David Harris is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the College of St Mark and St John, Plymouth.