Culture & Identity

Culture & Identity

1. Mass Culture

   • Dominant Culture
     • is classified as the main culture in society, which is accepted with our opposition. For example, the main features of British culture include it being white, patriarchal & unequal, with those who are white and male having things they regard worthwhile rated as more important than those who are female or from an ethnic minority group. 
     • Subculture
       • When societies become more larger, and more complicated , smaller groups emerge within the larger society , with some differences in their beliefs, values, norms and 'way of life'. For example, ethnic subcultures may form as a way of resisting racism & disadvantage in schools.
       • Low Culture
         • this is a derogatory term, its usage suggest 'mass' culture is of inferior quality to high culture.
         • Popular Culture
           • this is used to suggest the culture is liked and enjoyed by ordinary people.
           • High Culture
             • This is generally seen as being superior to other forms of cultures. Also, it refers to aspects of culture that are seen as of lasting artistic or literary value, aimed at intellectual elites. it is seen as something set apart from everyday life, something special and needed to be treated with respect and reverence. Examples are, serious news programmes or documentaries, classic music, ballet, art, opera etc.
             • Elites
               • are a small group holding great power and privilege in society.
           • Folk Culture
             • is culture by local communicaties and is rated is the experiences, customs & beliefs of the lives of ordinary people. It is seen as authentic rather than manufactured as it's created by ordinary people. It involves active participation of people. It is generally associated with pre-industrial societies, though it still is found in the form of folk music and folk clubs.
   • 'Mass' Culture
     • sometimes referred to as 'popular' culture or 'low' culture is generally contrasted with high culture.  Mass culture is a product of industrial societies. It is a commercially produced culture, spread on a wide scale throughout society and aimed at ordinary people. But it lacks roots in daily experiences as in folk culture, and it's commercially manufactured by buissiness for profit rather than created by the community itself. It is produced for passive consumption rather than active involvement.

2. Marxist

   • Marxist view on mass culture
     • They see it as a problem. It maintains class diversion.