Culture Flashcards
Definition of culture
Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, norms, customs, and behaviours of a society or social group. It shapes how people interact and understand the world.
High Culture
Definition: Cultural activities associated with the elite or upper class, often requiring economic and cultural capital.
Examples: Opera, ballet, classical music, fine art galleries, literature (Shakespeare, Dickens).
Sociological Relevance:
Pierre Bourdieu (Marxist) - High culture is linked to cultural capital, giving the wealthy an advantage in education and society.
Criticism: Postmodernists argue that high culture is no longer exclusive, as it is more accessible due to the internet (e.g., virtual museum tours).
Popular Culture
Definition: Culture enjoyed by the majority of people, often shaped by mass media and entertainment industries.
Examples: Pop music, social media trends, reality TV, football.
Sociological Relevance:
Adorno & Horkheimer (Marxist) - The mass media creates a false consciousness through consumer culture, distracting the working class from real social issues.
Criticism: Postmodernists (e.g., Baudrillard) argue that popular culture is not imposed but actively chosen by individuals.
Subculture
Definition: A group within mainstream society that has distinct values, norms, and behaviours.
Examples: Goths, punks, hip-hop culture, online gaming communities.
Sociological Relevance:
Hebdige (Marxist) - Subcultures form as a resistance to capitalism and mainstream values.
Paul Willis (Marxist) - Working-class boys formed an “anti-school subculture” in resistance to authority.
Criticism: Not all subcultures are rebellious-some just reflect shared interests (e.g., sports communities).
Consumer Culture
Definition: A culture where people’s identity and status are defined by what they buy and own.
Examples: Designer brands, fast fashion, Apple products, influencer culture.
Sociological Relevance: Jean Baudrillard (Postmodernist) - We consume signs and symbols rather than actual products (e.g., buying Nike trainers for the status, not comfort).
Criticism: Marxists argue that consumer culture benefits corporations while exploiting workers.
Global Culture
Definition: A worldwide culture created by globalisation, mass media, and migration.
Examples: McDonald’s worldwide (McDonaldisation), K-pop, Hollywood, English as a global language.
Sociological Relevance: McLuhan (Postmodernist) - The world is now a “global village” where technology connects people instantly.
Criticism: Cultural Imperialism - Some argue global culture spreads Western dominance, erasing local traditions (e.g., Americanisation).
Cultural Diversity & Hybrid Culture
Definition: Cultural differences within and across societies.
Examples: London’s multicultural food scene, bilingual communities, Bollywood-Western fashion fusion.
Sociological Relevance: Parekh (2006) - Identifies three types of cultural diversity:
Minority lifestyles (e.g., LGBTQ+ culture).
Ethnic subcultures (e.g., British Sikh communities).
Global cultural influence (e.g., mix of Western & Eastern traditions.
