Culture as Method: A Review Essay of James W. Carey‘s Communication as Culture: Essays on Media and Society

Communication as Culture makes important methodological contributions to media ecology. Carey integrated the insights of Innis and McLuhan with Geertz’s approach to cultural studies, taking into account criticisms of Foundationalism while avoiding postmodern triumphalism. Carey critiqued a transmission view of communication and proposes a “ritual” view, which considers the role of communication in the formation of societies. This view makes a hermeneutical approach appropriate for communication studies, and recognizes the importance of understanding communication technologies as cultural artifacts. Carey’s approach is in line with Postman’s call for media ecology to contribute to the maintenance of society.