Cultural studies and sociology at,and after,the closure of the Birmingham school1

This article analyses and comments on the sudden closure of the Department of Cultural Studies and Sociology (CSS) at the University of Birmingham in July 2002. The origins of cultural studies are delineated and its reception within and outside Birmingham University is tracked. The relation to sociology and its own ‘cultural turn’ is observed. Explanations for the closure of CSS — amidst the enormous popularity and influence of cultural studies – are sought in the ongoing stresses and strains influencing universities in the current era.