Does cultural studies have futures? should it? (or what's the matter with new york?) : Cultural studies, contexts and conjunctures

• Published in: Cultural studies (London, England) Vol. 20; no. 1; pp. 1 - 32
• Main Author: GROSSBERG, Lawrence
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Taylor & Francis 2006
• Subjects: Academic discipline; Contextual analysis; Cultural studies; Culture; Deconstruction; Ethnology; Field of ethnology; Geopolitics; Modernity; Sources and methods; U.S.A; New York City; North America; North Europe; Modernity; Conjuncture; context; Future; Cultural studies; Alternative approach; alternative modernities
• ISSN: 0950-2386; 1466-4348
• DOI: 10.1080/09502380500492541

This paper examines the state of cultural studies, primarily in the United States and Northern Europe. Arguing for a radically contextualist and conjuncturalist understanding of the project of cultural studies, it suggests that cultural studies emerged in particular forms as a response to a particular geo-historical conjuncture. However, while the conjuncture has changed significantly, these older forms of cultural studies have congealed into a ''center'' that has limited its ability to contribute to a better understanding of ''what's going on,'' of the possible future and the realities and possibilities of both domination and contestation. The paper suggests an understanding of the present conjuncture as a struggle, from both the right and the left, against liberal modernity and the attempt to shape an alternative modernity as the future. It suggests some of the ways cultural studies might have to rethink itself if it is to respond to this conjuncture. (Author abstract)