Cultural Autonomy ─ Frictions and Connections

Globalization has challenged concepts such as local culture and cultural autonomy. And the rampant commodification of cultural products has challenged the way we define culture itself. Have these developments transformed the relationship between culture and autonomy? Have traditional notions of cultural autonomy been recast?

Cultural Autonomy showcases the work of scholars who are exploring new ways of understanding the critical issue of globalization and culture. By defining culture broadly -- as a set of ideas or practices that range from skateboarding to the work of public intellectuals such as Edward Said -- they trace how issues of cultural autonomy have played out in various areas, including the human rights and environmental movements and among indigenous peoples. Although the contributors focus on the marginalized issue of autonomy, they offer a balanced perspective -- one that reveals that globalization has not only limited but also created new forms of cultural autonomy.

Petra Rethmann is an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology, McMaster University. Imre Szeman is Canada Research Chair in Cultural Studies and Professor of English and Film Studies, University of Alberta. William D. Coleman is Centre for International Governance Innovation Chair in Globalization and Public Policy, Balsillie School of International Affairs.