Cultural Imperialism: A Critical Introduction

Parallax: Re-visions of Culture and Society

by John Tomlinson

In Cultural Imperialism, John Tomlinson deals with issues ranging from the ideological effects of imported cultural products, to the process of cultural homogenization, to the nature of cultural autonomy. He examines a number of related thedebate about "media imperialism" the discourse of national cultural identity; the critique of multinational capitalism and the critique of cultural modernity. His analysis reveals major problems in the way in which the idea of cultural, as distinct from economic or political, imperialism is formulated. In Cultural Imperialism, John Tomlinson deals with issues ranging from the ideological effects of imported cultural products, to the process of cultural homogenization, to the nature of cultural autonomy. He examines a number of related thedebate about "media imperialism" the discourse of national cultural identity; the critique of multinational capitalism and the critique of cultural modernity. His analysis reveals major problems in the way in which the idea of cultural, as distinct from economic or political, imperialism is formulated.

Genres: Cultural, Nonfiction, Sociology, Cultural Studies

198 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1991

About the author

John Tomlinson is Professor of Cultural Sociology, Head of Research in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies and Director of the Institute for Cultural Analysis, Nottingham (ICAn). His many publications on the themes of cultural globalization, cosmopolitanism, cultural modernity and mediated cultural experience include Cultural Imperialism (Continuum 1991), Globalization and Culture (Polity 1999) and The Culture of Speed (Sage 2007). His books have been extensively translated (twelve languages).

Reviews

[Evan Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking my normal rule because I do not want the sole review to be a one star. Tomlinson deals in disparate, complex theories and ideas and does about as good of a job as he can making them palatable to a reader who may be unfamiliar with the major stakes in debates about culture, modernity, nationalism, and imperialism.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

my friend picked this book out for me lol.

It analyzed the existing theories/discourse on "cultural imperialism" (back in the 90s when it was written) but it also discussed what 'culture' is and 'modernity' is. All of these words are hard to define. interesting book

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watching 'Dallas' and the reactions of it is so telling; the world isn't a passive audience, they are intellect and critical and even so... knowingly watch crap purely out of enjoyment. (ie. the office)

;-P