Knowledge As Culture

Drawing on the Marxist, French structuralist and American pragmatist traditions, this is a lively and accessible introduction to the sociology of knowledge.

Offering a dissenting perspective on the politics of knowledge, this book is a powerful critique of the intellectual and cultural assumptions that underline the current processes of development, modernization and globalization. The author demonstrates that the world as we know it today is understood largely through categories that are the product of Western knowledge systems. His critique of the existing world order and his vision of possible futures encourage the reader to engage in the study of the West. Rather than merely reversing Orientalism, such a study would create a body of knowledge about the West that would enable people to better understand both themselves and the West. This important and lucidly written book deconstructs the cultural assumptions that have emerged alongside capitalism and offers a devastating critique of the politics of knowledge at the heart of all powerbroking.

"The Knowledge Book" is a unique interdisciplinary reference work for students and researchers concerned with the nature of knowledge. It is the first work of its kind to be organized on the assumption that whatever else knowledge might be, it is intrinsically social. The book consists of 42 alphabetically arranged entries on key concepts at the intersection of philosophy and sociology - what used to be called "sociology of knowledge" but is now increasingly called "social epistemology". The entries include concepts common to disciplines that in recent years have devoted more of their attention to knowledge: cultural studies, communication studies, information science, education, policy studies and business studies. Special attention is given to concepts from the emerging field of science and technology studies. Each entry presents a short, self-contained essay providing an overview of a concept and concludes with suggestions for further reading. All the entries are fully cross-referenced, allowing readers to both make connections and follow their own interests.

In this classic edition of her groundbreaking text Knowledge in Context, Sandra Jovchelovitch revisits her influential work on the societal and cultural processes that shape the development of representational processes in humans. Through a novel analysis of processes of representation, and drawing on dialogues between psychology, sociology and anthropology, Jovchelovitch argues that representation, a social psychological construct relating Self, Other and Object-world, is at the basis of all knowledge. Exploring the dominant assumptions of western conceptions of knowledge and the quest for a unitary reason free from the ‘impurities’ of person, community and culture, Jovchelovitch recasts questions related to historical comparisons between the knowledge of adults and children, ‘civilised’ and ‘primitive’ peoples, scientists and lay communities and examines the ambivalence of classical theorists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Freud, Durkheim and Lévy-Bruhl in addressing these issues. Featuring a new introductory chapter, the author evaluates the last decade of research since Knowledge in Context first appeared and reassesses the social psychology of the contemporary public sphere, exploring how challenges to the dialogicality of representations reconfigure both community and selfhood in this early 21st century. This book will make essential reading for all those wanting to follow debates on knowledge and representation at the cutting edge of social, cultural and developmental psychology, sociology, anthropology, development and cultural studies.

The Culture and Power of Knowledg.

The field of conflict resolution centers on relationships and ways of approaching methods for problem solving. These relationships and approaches vary deeply depending on the individual, society, and background, proving that cultural perspective is fundamental to any dispute intervention. Re-Centering Culture and Knowledge in Conflict Resolution Practice is a collection of original essays by scholars and practitioners of conflict resolution and others working in marginalized communities. The volume offers a sampling of the cultural voices essential to effective practice yet not commonly heard in the discourse of conflict resolution. The authors explore the role of culture, race, and oppression in resolving disputes. Drawing on firsthand experience and sound research, the authors address such issues as culturally sensitive mediation practices, the diversity of perspectives in conflict resolution literature, and power dynamics. The first anthology of its kind, this book combines personal narratives with formal scholarship. By melding these varied approaches, the authors seek to inspire activism for social justice in today’s multicultural society.

Organizations are facing major disruptions in technology, consumer preferences, and in the makeup of their workforce, and as a result, they will need to adapt to these rapidly changing times to stay effective. Organizations that are able to tap into the collective knowledge of their employees and leverage their insights will have an advantage over those that lack this connectivity. Implementing a knowledge management (KM) strategy can help organizations improve operational effectiveness, innovation, and adapt to changes, but the majority of KM implementations fail due to misalignment with the organization's existing culture. Organizational culture can enable effective KM, or it can be a barrier to its implementation. The Handbook of Research on Organizational Culture Strategies for Effective Knowledge Management and Performance defines the relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management and how they impact one another. This handbook also identifies critical business practices to assist organizations in transitioning to work from home while maintaining a strong corporate culture that includes beneficial knowledge-sharing behaviors. Covering topics including knowledge management, organizational culture, and change management, this text is essential for managers, executives, practitioners, leaders in business, non-profits, academicians, researchers, and students looking for research on how organizations can thrive and adapt due to emerging global disruptions as well as local or internal disruptions.

Indigenous cultures are not terra nullius — nobody’s land, free to be taken. True Tracks is a groundbreaking work that paves the way for respectful and ethical engagement with Indigenous cultures. Using real-world cases and personal stories, award-winning Meriam/Wuthathi lawyer Dr Terri Janke draws on twenty years of professional experience to inform and inspire people working across many industries – from art and architecture, to film and publishing, dance, science and tourism. What Indigenous materials and knowledge are you using? How will your project affect and involve Indigenous communities? Are you sharing your profits with those communities? True Tracks helps answer these questions and many more, and provides invaluable guidelines that enable Indigenous peoples to actively practise, manage and strengthen their cultural life. If we keep our tracks true, Indigenous culture and knowledge can benefit everyone and empower future generations. ‘Dr Terri Janke’s True Tracks is a fantastic resource for understanding and engaging with Indigenous art, culture and traditional knowledge.’ — Turia Pitt ‘Whether you’re a black CEO making an encrypted ledger for an art co-op, or a white soccer mum making a multicultural Halloween costume, this book might spare you a lot of heartache down the track.’ — Tyson Yunkaporta ‘The definitive guide to producing, telling, showing, and making Australia.’ — Tara June Winch ‘Terri Janke’s book is the answer to the grand cultural theft perpetrated on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over more than two centuries.’ — Marcia Langton ‘True Tracks provides an authoritative guide that simplifies complex laws and cultural protocols, providing examples for those working in many sectors to enact key principles for Indigenous engagement, including respect and self-determination.’ — Anita Heiss