The Aesthetic Concept of Culture as Art

Abstract

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the anthropological concept of culture was opposed to the “aesthetic” notion of culture as arts and artistic creativity. The two have starkly contrasting implications and tend to create confusing contradictions if combined in the same discourse. Culture in the aesthetic sense is usually implied by terms like cultural policy, cultural work or the cultural sector, and is often applied in institutional settings. It invites tensions between high and low taste, contrasting fine arts to popular culture and everyday aesthetics. It is also often opposed to the economy; for instance, when cultural and economic capital are discussed.