Popular Culture and the Civic Imagination: Case Studies of Creative Social Change is an English-language textbook by Henry Jenkins, Gabriel Peters-Lazaro, and Sangita Shresthova. This book explores how popular culture and the civic imagination are used to achieve political and social change.
The book analyzes more than thirty global examples of activism in which popular culture plays a central role. The term “civic imagination” refers to the ability to visualize alternatives to existing social situations and to see yourself as a citizen who can bring about change. The authors show how young people actively participate in democratic processes through various cultural expressions—from music to social media.
This publication is relevant for professionals and researchers in the social sciences, media studies, and citizenship education. It connects with themes such as media and culture, and offers practical guidance for using popular culture to promote social participation and empowerment.