The question of culture in derivatives of Marxist theory /

This thesis delineates the context and history of the field of cultural studies, specifically tracing the construction of culture as a site of critical theory. Primarily, it explores the influence of Marxist philosophies in politicizing the culture concept, and subsequently surveys the set of internal debates in progressive theory. Comparing the various strengths and limitations of political economy, American cultural consumption discourse, and British cultural materialism, ultimately the thesis argues in favour of instating the third paradigm as the privileged analytical model of progressive scholarship. Cultural materialism is cited for its methodological excellence and political relevance in the contemporary world