Globalization is a highly debated term, and struggles over its meaning are played out in a variety of ways, from academe and the media to the streets of Seattle, Melbourne and Genoa.

This book provides a welcome introduction to the discourses, practices and technologies that have been grouped together under that term. It outlines the historical contexts of globalization, and addresses the politics of naming that are so central to the reproduction of the narratives and patterns of globalization.

The authors examine specific sites that are being transformed by globalization such as capitalism, state governments, the media and cultural identity, and explore the notion of a post-globalization world.

This will be a valuable book to undergraduate and MA students on communication, media, cultural studies, sociology, politics and development courses.

"This is an extraordinarily lucid book. I am not sure that there is anyone who can do this sort of thing better than Jen Webb. It is a gift to students; extremely accessible yet complex and sophisticated in its treatment of theories and concepts of representation." - Jim McGuigan, Loughborough University Understanding Representation offers a contemporary, coherent and genuinely interdisciplinary introduction to the concept of representation. Drawing together the full range of ideas, practices, techniques and disciplines associated with the subject, this book locates them in a historical context, presents them in a readable fashion, and shows their relevance to everyday life in an engaging and accessible manner. Readers will be shown how to develop a sophisticated attitude to meaning, and understand the relationship to truth and identity that is brought into focus by communicative practices. With chapters on linguistic and political representation, art and media, and philosophical and cognitive approaches, this book: Guides readers through complex theoretical terrain with a highly readable and refreshing writing style. Explains the techniques and perspectives offered by semiotics, discourse analysis, poetics, politics, narratology, visual culture, cognitive theory, performance theory and theories of embodied subjectivity. Covers the new ideas and practices that have emerged since the work of Barthes, Eco and Foucault - especially communication and meaning-making in the digital environment, and the new paradigms of understanding associated with cognitive theories of identity and language. Teaches readers how to interpret and interrogate the world of signs in which they live. Understanding Representation provides students across the social sciences and humanities with an invaluable introduction to what is meant by 'representation'.

`Bourdieu's work is formidable - the journey is tough. Follow this French foreign legion - take an apple, take a hanky - but take this book' -

Peter Beilharz , La Trobe University

`A good range of recent examples from popular culture are used to flesh out the material in accessible terms. These examples are deployed very well indeed - rather than being tacked-on illustrations of an idea, they are instead used at the heart of the explanation of the ideas' - David Gauntlett, Leeds University

Now considered one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, Pierre Bourdieu has left his mark on most of the 'big' theoretical issues in the world of contemporary theory: gender, subjectivity, the body, culture, citizenship, and globalization. His terms are now commonplace: 'social capital', 'cultural capital', 'field', and 'habitus'.

Bourdieu examines how people conduct their lives in relation to one another and to major social institutions. He argues that culture and education aren't simply minor influences, but as important as economics in determining differences between groups of people. Unlike the other grand systematisers Marx and Foucault, Bourdieu has tested these arguments in detailed fieldwork. His range is eclectic, his vision is vast, and his writing is often dense and challenging.

Understanding Bourdieu offers a comprehensive introduction to Bourdieu's work. It is essential reading for anyone tackling him for the first time.

"An outstandingly good introduction to Foucault's work: lucid, measured, well organised, and covering this complex and in many ways heterogeneous body of work with remarkable thoroughness and ease." - Professor John Frow, University of Melbourne "This is a clear and understandable book, starting with a very helpful glossary of theoretical terms... an accessible introduction to Foucault's major work exploring power and control, governmentality and ethics which are crucial for students to understand." - Tracy Ramsey, Liverpool Hope University "A very good accompaniment to any student thinking seriously about following the work of Foucault... Easy to follow, very well structured." - Mark Timoney, Sligo Institute of Technology Michel Foucault is now regarded as one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century. He is known for his sensibility of critique and his commitment to movements for social change. His analysis of the ways our notions of truth, meaning, knowledge and reason are shaped by historical forces continues to influence thinkers around the world. Understanding Foucault offers a comprehensive introduction to Foucault's work. The authors examine Foucault's thinking in the context of the philosophies he engaged with during his career, and the events he participated in, including the student protests of 1968. A unique feature of the book is its consideration of recently published lectures and minor works, and the authors show how these illuminate and extend our understanding of Foucault's major books. Understanding Foucault provides an accessible entree to the world of this extraordinary and challenging philosopher.

Globalization is a highly debated term, and struggles over its meaning are played out in a variety of ways, from academe and the media to the streets of Seattle, Melbourne and Genoa.

This book provides a welcome introduction to the discourses, practices and technologies that have been grouped together under that term. It outlines the historical contexts of globalization, and addresses the politics of naming that are so central to the reproduction of the narratives and patterns of globalization.

The authors examine specific sites that are being transformed by globalization such as capitalism, state governments, the media and cultural identity, and explore the notion of a post-globalization world.

This will be a valuable book to undergraduate and MA students on communication, media, cultural studies, sociology, politics and development courses.