This and concise introduction to cultural theory aims to bring a sense of historical and theoretical scale to cultural studies in Britain. As a comprehensive and accessible guide to the often tricky manoeuverings of social and cultural theory in recent years, it should serve as a guide to students studying the many disciplines now informed by cultural theory. ''Contemporary Cultural Theory'' identifies six alternative paradigms in cultural studies - utilitarianism, culturalism, marxism, structuralism, feminism and postmodernism - and explores the socio-discursive contexts within which each of these have developed. Andrew Milner is the author of ''John Milton and the English Revolution'', and co-editor of ''Postmodern Conditions'' and ''Discourse and Difference''. This book is intended for undergraduate courses in cultural studies, sociology, media and communication and literary criticism.