Popular Culture

Question 1

Define what Popular Culture means?

Answer 1

A set of practices, beliefs and norms that are dominant/ prevalent in a society at a given time.

Question 2

Which psychologist created the theory of “Mc Donaldisation”

Answer 2

George Ritzers

Question 3

Define consumerism?

Answer 3

The encouragement of people around the world to buy and sell goods

Driven by TELECOMMUNICATIONS and MASS MEDIA

Question 4

What’s “Americanisation”

Answer 4

The idea that if any person from a cultural background can make a better life for themselves through hard work and determination- the “American Dream”.

Question 5

How is Globalisation measured?

Answer 5

The KOF Index- created of 122 countries

Measured on a scale of 0-100

Question 6

Advantages of the “Westernised” Popular Culture

Answer 6

Information and knowledge are spread round the world at low costs and high accessibility
Knowledge about information from different CULTURES eg: multicultural societies in the UK
Spread of common values from popular culture eg: Olympic Games 2012 London
English provides a common language for communication
Globalisation of popular culture related to environmental responsibility eg: business forced to be environmentally aware.

Question 7

Disadvantages of the “Westernised” Popular Culture?

Answer 7

Loss of traditions and local cultures eg: French were exited that a Starbucks was open due to its connections with the US show “friends”
Loss of social cohesion and traditional cultures
Some cultures see “westernised” popular culture as a threat eg: Grenoble, France, 2002= setting fire to Mc Donalds
Exaggerated rich and poor divisions
TNC’s in poorer countries linked to popular culture can exploit/ have a lot of power.