Towards a new perspective in cultural studies

Abstract

The principal aim of this article is to attempt to further develop Barker’s discussion about a new, additional perspective in cultural studies based on the identification of a new set of problems in contemporary Western society, which are emotional and spiritual in form. Drawing from late Foucauldian theory and neuroscience, it argues that in order to fundamentally change individual experience and to solve emotional and spiritual problems a proper transformation of one’s physical brain structure is needed, which can only be undertaken through certain continuous practices as part of one’s relationship with oneself. Discussing the role cultural studies could play in solving emotional and spiritual problems, it proposes that cultural studies could prove most effective in articulating a wider inter/transdisciplinary political project that would coordinate attempts from various fields and disciplines, and which would help us to move into a culture of contentment. Outlining such a political project, it argues that such a project should include a critical account of the emotions and spirituality and how they relate to issues of power, and also a genealogical analysis of the historical, ethical and existential conditions for transformation of the subject.