For Democratic Culture: A Political Problematic

In: Thesis eleven: critical theory and historical sociology, Heft 18-19, S. 32-55

Abstract

It is argued that the pursuit of an autonomous & excellent culture must be central to a revitalized democratic project. The revitalization of democracy & culture requires a free public life; also, in mass society the politics & culture of a free public domain are naturally supportive. The institutional context of cultural life in mass society is examined, with attention to the historical development of mass politics in the US. It is maintained that the apparently necessary opposition between cultural excellence & democracy may be overcome when the defense of public freedom is taken up as a first principle of political action. AA