Sep
29
2008
How Culture Changes
John Seel, one of my intellectual mentors, recently wrote a short article for Wedgwood Weekly on how culture changes. In his article, he examines the thesis of sociologist James Davison Hunter that culture changes in a top-down way, not a bottom-up way. John writes:
There is a debate today over the dynamics of cultural formation. One’s strategies and tactics are significantly shaped by ones understanding of these dynamics. Here are the basic contrasts:
Bottom Up vs. Top Down
Individuals vs. Institutions
Masses vs. Gatekeepers
Artifacts vs. Matrix
Conscious Choice vs. Unconscious Coercion
Information vs. Imagination
University of Virginia sociologist James Davison Hunter argues that the common view of cultural change is sociologically ill informed and consequently ineffective. Good intentions and increased activity are no substitute for an accurate understanding.
As is the case with everything John writes, this piece is both challenging and stimulating. You can read the whole thing here.