American Cultural Sociology presents a serious challenge to British Cultural Studies and European grand theory alike. This exciting volume brings together sixteen seminal papers by leading figures in what is emerging as an important intellectual tradition. It places them in the context of related work in Sociology and other disciplines, exploring the connections between cultural sociology and different approaches, such as comparative and historical research, postmodernism, and symbolic interactionism. The book is divided into three sections: Culture as Text and Code, The Production and Reception of Culture, and Culture in Action. Each section contains edited contributions, both theoretical and empirical, addressing the key debates in cultural sociology, including the autonomy of culture, power and culture, structure and agency and how to conceptualise meaning.

"The rise of cultural sociology has been one of the most important developments in recent American social science. Philip Smith's anthology does an admirable job of introducing the major lines of inquiry which have made cultural sociology flourish. His collection demonstrates both the analytic achievements and the breadth of the field." Craig Calhoun, New York University

"This is a much needed presentation of the best of American cultural sociology. Phil Smith enables us to appreciate the strong disciplinary character of American cultural sociology compared with its more interdisciplinary counterparts in Britain and Europe. European critics may not be appeased, but they will be better informed as a result." Kenneth A. Thompson, The Open University

"By bringing together papers that represent major issues in the field, Smith provides both a sophisticated introduction to the field for newcomers and a reference point for scholars working in the field. The book is a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate courses in the sociology of culture." Contemporary Sociology