Doing Research in Cultural Studies: An Introduction to Classical and New Methodological Approaches

by Paula Saukko

`This book is a goldmine for students…it is brilliantly conceptualized and brilliantly executed. With this book cultural studies finally comes of age methodologically′ - Professor Norman K Denzin, Institute of Communications Research, University of Illinois Doing Research in Cultural Studies outlines the key methodological approaches to the study of lived experience, texts and social contexts within the field of cultural studies. It offers a comprehensive discussion of classical methodologies and introduces the reader to more contemporary debates that have argued for new ethnographic, poststructuralist and multi-scape research methods. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how these methodologies work and how their outcomes may be interpreted. Key features of the book include: - An innovative framework - combining different methodologies and approaches. - A variety of `real-life′ examples and case studies - enriches the book for the reader - A set of practical exercises in each chapter - pedagogical and student-focused throughout. The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which make it accessible to and popular with students, while the discussion of fresh approaches makes it also of interest to experienced researchers. It contains all the ingredients necessary to help the reader attain a solid grasp of analytical and practical challenges to doing effective research in cultural studies today.

Genres: Cultural Studies

219 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Mia]

I comprehensive guide for anyone interested in "doing research in cultural studies". Saukko doesn't go too in-depth into some of the more familiar concepts, but uses them a a backbone for much of what she discusses (for example, Foucault is regularly mentioned, but rarely explored deeply). Some of the language didn't feel that polished (she will sometimes start two sentences in a row with "However") but the point comes across.

[Ivan Labayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful when I was doing my m.a. thesis, useful now in cramming-refining a paper to be presented next week

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction to cultural studies. I found particular parts of it, like the analysis and how-to of resistance and lived experience studies more resonant than her analysis of the Foucaudian concept of geneology, for example.

[Desca Ang]

-review soon-