Globalisation, media and popular culture

Question 1

Marxist view of globalisation

Answer 1

Globalisation of mass-media and popular culture is ensuring that masses around the globe become distracted, docile and un-critical of homogenised groups

Question 2

Pluralist view of globalisation

Answer 2

There is so much choice due to globalisation that people can consume whatever sort of media they like

Question 3

Postmodernist view of globalisation

Answer 3

People are now able to choose what media they consume and model their identity from a plethora of cultural sources

Question 4

Crothers 3 factors that have promoted globalisation

Answer 4

Relationships
Goods and capital flowing 24/7
Global has become local

Question 5

What is popular culture

Answer 5

Representations that are consumer by a mass audience, often because they are created through a process of mass production

Question 6

How does Marcuse from Frankfurt School (Marxist) argue that popular culture is effecting the masses?

Answer 6

The masses are being exploited due to:
- Paying money to consumer popular culture even though they don’t have choice over it
- Also promotes dumbed down entertainment

Question 7

How does the media exploit the masses (Flew)?

Answer 7

Internet and satellite TV = popular culture is being made global

Question 8

Sklair arguments about American ideas

Answer 8

American ideas are being spread across the world meaning people accept the dominant ideology = culture-ideology of consumerism

Question 9

Criticisms of Marxist/Frankfurt School view (Strinati)

Answer 9

There is no such thing as mass culture, we are all individuals with individual tastes and minds

Question 10

Frankfurt School argument about popular culture

Answer 10

Popular culture diverts attention away from real problems of society

Question 11

Marcuse 3 ways media companies divert masses attention

Answer 11

1. Commodity Fetishism - obsesses with certain products
2. False needs - Instil the belief that people need products
3. Conspicuous consumption - Belief some brands have more meaning than others

Question 12

What is culture imperialism?

Answer 12

Creating a homogenous culture where capitalist values are valued

Question 13

4 effects of culture imperialism

Answer 13

1. Destruction of cultures
2. Extremist on the rise (Barber)
3. Unhealthy influence over govt, by media (Fuchs)
4. Civic disengagement

Question 14

What do Postmodernist argue about globalisation?

Answer 14

It is vital as it increases choice and opportunities that are now available to people

Question 15

What is media saturation?

Answer 15

The ability to create alternative perceptions of the world online that reject meta-narratives

Question 16

Main concepts from Postmodernism about globalisation and popular culture

Answer 16

• More choice
• Participatory culture (audiences are more involved with media content)
• Culture hybridization