THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF POPULAR CULTURE IN LIGHT OF THE POLITICAL AWARENESS OF THE ALGERIAN INTELLIGENTSIA: CRITICISM OF IDEOLOGICAL PARADIGMS

Abstract

This article starts from three broad argumentative points: First, it argues that the definition of the “Algerian intelligentsia” and its role are always linked to cultural practices more than to political practices, provided that the latter is attached with deep awareness; This is a resumption of the cultural bet predicted by Samuel Huntington in the context of his statement centered around the clash of civilizations. Second, our article does not view “popular culture” as a mere definitional exercise, but rather as a vital, purposeful, and performative concept. Finally, he asserts that “political awareness” contradicts many of the “ideological dimensions” into which a segment of the Algerian elite fell as a result of some conflicts that raged outside the cultural framework, which can be considered a form of this noble political awareness. Which means that popular cultures are always involved in power relations in one way or another.