Review: Rainer Diaz-Bone (2002). Kulturwelt, Diskurs und Lebensstil [Cultural World, Discourse and Life Style]

Abstract

In his work on the discourse of popular music DIAZ-BONE opens BOURDIEU's theory of distinction to a discursive approach. Analyzing the discourse of German heavy metal and techno zines, the author demonstrates the usefulness of a theory of discourse based on the notion of difference and opposition for the sociology of culture. He criticizes BOURDIEU for his reductionist tendency and underlines the relative autonomy of discursive patterns for establishing a system of hierarchical cultural values. In his analysis DIAZ-BONE finds that the discourse about heavy metal music gives, amongst others, a prominent role to "authenticity" and "artisan solidity", whereas the discourse about techno DJs rather highlights technical innovation and cultural networking. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs040126