Paper 1 - 6 markers

Question 1

high culture

Answer 1

Linked to elite, upper class society- ascribed status position.
Very small proportion of society can access high culture as you need to be economically and socially connected - ‘social closure’
One example of an activity linked to this would be polo. In order to be a member of a polo club you need to have economic and social capital. - This is discussed by John Scott.
Another example of an activity linked to this could be the opera at the theatre. Bourdieu would suggest that children who have access to the theatre would have increased cultural capital

Question 2

Consumer culture

Answer 2

Related to what we buy/consume in society. People often portray a sense of identity through what they buy/wear.
The UK and Western Societies have growing and large consumer cultures.
On example of this affecting identity is portrayed by Saunders. He suggests the media targets middle age as they are the group with the highest disposable income and they often define their identity by what they own and show this off. This is known as conspicuous consumption.
Another example of this is shown by Lury who argues that there were several features and examples of the existence of consumer culture such as the idea that different forms of shopping are now available, large shopping centres and also internet shopping have become a lot more popular.

Question 3

Popular culture

Answer 3

Can be seen as the opposite to high culture as it is associated with shallow activities that can be accessed by the masses through the media.
This can sometimes take an idea from high culture and popularises it (Burberry).
One example of something that has become popular culture would be conspicuous consumption. Saunders suggested that those who satisfy their needs through personal ownership are influenced heavily by advertising and the media. The media targets the middle classes as they are a group with a high disposable income and they often define their identity by what they own.
Another example of something that has become this would be theatre. With programmes on TV that have looked to find new theatre stars the media has made the theatre interesting and accessible to the masses.

Question 4

social class identity

Answer 4

This is a system of stratification which places people in different positions in society. This can be determined by many different factors and there are different classifications of what this actually is.
In the UK we categorise this identity by peoples occupations which are broken down into working, middle and upper class identity.
An example of this identity is working class. A working class identity is based on community, traditional gender roles, manual work and immediate gratification. Willis found that for the ‘lads’ and their fathers who came from working class backgrounds, their jobs were a key source of identity. They defined themselves as manual workers and membership to this occupation was the key defining feature of their middle aged identities.
Another example of a this identity would be upper class. An upper class identity is based on social closure, a concentration of wealth, a culture of privilege, an old boy network, an ascribed status and economic, social and cultural.

Question 5

Gender identities

Answer 5

Gender identity refers to the cultural classification of people as masculine and feminine. Gender identities are socially constructed as they are different in different societies and can change over time. An example for gender identity would be masculinity. in the UK hegemonic masculinity refers to the traditional form of masculinity which Connell described as being associated with characteristics such as aggression, dominance and heterosexuality. Another example of a gender identity is pangender, bigender, transgender or non-binary. transgender is the transformation to the opposite gender.

Question 6

Sexuality

Answer 6

Sexuality can be defined as an individuals preferences in sexual partners. There are different types of sexualities in society, including heterosexuality and homosexuality. it can also be referred to your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards others. An example of a sexuality is gay, bisexual, pansexual and heterosexual. Another example for …

Question 7

Masculine Identities

Answer 7

A type of gender identity which is not only associated with sex which is biologically determined but the sense of belonging and the particular roles that are associated with being a man. it is socially constructed and shaped by society. the behaviours associated with masculinity are taught to boys through the process of socialisation and these behaviours can differ in other societies and change over time. An example of a masculine identity is hegemonic as discussed by Oakley who states that we are socialised into hegemonic roles through the processes manipulation, canalisation, verbal appellations and domestic activities. this is the dominant form of masculinity in Western society. Another example of masculine identity is the new man as discussed by Mort who takes more time, effort and money over their appearance than those adopting hegemonic norms. this is also used to describe how in contemporary society men are more interested in their appearance and are more domesticated.

Question 8

Feminine Identities

Answer 8

A type of gender identity which is not only associated with sex which is biologically determined but the particular roles that are associated with being a women. it is socially constructed and shaped by society. the behaviours associated with femininity are taught to girls through the process of socialisation and these behaviours can differ in other societies and change over time. An example of feminine identities is hegemonic as discussed by Oakley who states that we are socialised into hegemonic roles the processes gentle, kind, white, heterosexual and child - bearing. This is the dominant form of femininity in Western Society. Another example of feminine identity is the Ladette as discussed by Jackson who focuses on the feminine identity that young women behave in an unmannered and heaving drinking. this is also used to reinforce how in women contemporary society are more interested in having fun and partying.

Question 9

Ethnic groups

Question 10

Ethnic Identity

Question 11

Nationality

Question 12

Hybridity Ethnic Hybrids/Hybrid Identities

Question 13

Global culture

Question 14

Cultural diversity

Question 15

Multiculturalism

Question 16

Age Identities

Answer 16

One way age can be defined is chronologically. As people get older they take on different roles and their social status increases. Age can also be defined in life stages. people pass through three main life stages. Youth, middle and old age at each stage individuals adopt different roles and statues. An example of an age identity is that youth is associated with people from age 12 to 25 years old, this group share a transitional stage of their life where they go through a rite of passage, a ritual which accompanies the changes of status that occur in the course of the life cycle, e.g birthdays and marriage ceremony. Another example of an age identity is middle age. This is characterised as a stage of career and family where people are often responsible for caring for children and older members of the family, they have a ‘dual burden’.

Question 17

Youth

Question 18

Middle Age

Question 19

Old Age

Question 20

Subculture

Answer 20

A smaller group within a large one or a minority of a majority culture. Groups of young people who do not follow the same norms and values as each other. They differ in terms of fashion, music, leisure interests and behaviour. An example of a subculture was suggested by Tony Sewell. He suggested that young African Caribbean males formed an anti-school subculture based on going against the norms and values of the school. Another example of a subculture was suggested by McRobbie and Garber. They suggested that young girls formed a ‘bedroom culture’ as they socialised in their bedrooms and followed the cult of femininity portrayed by the media.

Question 21

Disability