topic 2: globalisation & culture Flashcards
Crothers
- new and increased relationships that have been created between people, social networks and ideals go beyond traditional state border
- people are linked through goods
- global events and issues have become local events and issues because of the speed of communication and instantaneous contact
culture
all that which, in human society, is socially rather than biologically transmitted.
high culture
refers to what the elite of a particular society regard as the highest intellectuals achievements (e.g Ballet)
folk culture
traditions and rituals of societies which have been passed down, usually through word of mouth through the generations for hundreds of years (e.g bonfire night)
popular culture
products of the mass media in modern capitalist societies, such at TV, films, magazines, which are enjoyed by the majority of the population.
what is the problem with popular culture?
some argue that it is manufactured for mass consumption rather than being for it’s own sake and consequence has little aesthetic or artistic merit
Barnett & Seymour
Describe popular culture as “superficial candyfloss culture” that has resulted in dumbing down of intelligence, creativity and critical thinking
How has entertainment media been globalised?
through satellite television, global marketing and branding of mobile phones, computer technology, films, music and internet user generated social networks.
O’Connor - cultural homogenisation
“the process by which local cultures are transformed or absorbed by a dominant outside culture”
What could cultural homogenisation lead to?
The development of a single global culture and elimination of all other, local cultures.
how do post modernists view the mass media and identity?
the media have changed and shaped consumption patterns by making consumers more aware of the diversity of choices that exist in the postmodern world.
how do post modernists view metanarratives and relativity of knowledge?
people today are disillusioned with grand political, philosophical and scientifical theorues
- they argue media -saturated society produces a more media literate audience that is aware there is no single universal truth
Fuchs - participatory culture
“the involvement of users, consumers and fans in the creation of culture and content”
what does participatory culture lead to?
- creates a new form on community, people feel connected to eachother in different ways
- allows global culture and society to become more democratic
- it has been enhanced by the rapid speed of social media
“if it doesn’t spread it’s dead’
if audiences are not actively involved with shopping the flow of content on social media, it’s unlikely that it will globally expand
how does globalisation link to popular protest?
- the global media can help increase political awareness of issues such as human rights abuse, protests etc
What was Spencer Thomas’ study?
found in 1988 there was heavy media censorship, few details about anti government were reported on Burma, whereas in 2007 when there were mass demonstrations in Burma there was much more media coverage
Thompson
consumers of the global media are citizens of the world and their locality
Cohen & Kennedy
people do not generally abandon their culture because they watched a disney film, or heard a song.
what are the criticisms of the postmodernist theory?
- attitude surveys show that many people still see social class, ethnicity, family, nationality and religion as having more influence over their lives than media
- ignore the “digital divide” and the fact that this prevents many groups in the UK from accessing the internet
marxist frankfurt school
- popular culture is an ideological product aimed at distracting poorer groups from their exploitation and inequality
- encourages conformity and lack of critical thinking
Marcuse - Commodity fetishism
the idea that products of popular culture have special powers that somehow enhance the life of the user
Marcuse - false needs
through marketing and branding there is the idea that in order to have particular lifestyle we need to own certain products. they aren’t essential but we are persuaded that they are central to our lifestyle identity
Marcuse - conspicuous consumption
popular products of the media are presented as having more status than other items, therefore people are encouraged by media to “conspicuously consume”
