The use of media and popular culture is a sociological phenomenon wherein the structural changes to society, which accompany the emergence of new forms of communication and accessing information, can be examined. There are many differing views regarding whether media and popular culture are necessary to the functioning of a democratic and egalitarian society or whether they actually further social inequality and inhibit political discussion or involvement. Although both interpretations are arguably valid, it can be seen that it is not popular culture and the media in and of themselves but rather how they are consumed by the public that determine how these mediums influence individuals and by extension the wider society. Through examining the implications of popular culture and media on the structure of society, the prevalence of differing forms of social inequality becomes a pivotal issue. Barnett (1998: 58) suggests that despite theories pertaining to the influence of culture over social inequality, such as Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital which advances that cultural forms are exclusively accessed by the higher classes in order to maintain a distinct separation between social classes, popular culture is considered neither high nor inferior culture and therefore does not discriminate between social classes but rather accommodates to the changing nature of class. While it is proposed that the notion of popular culture and media being available to all ensures that it does not contribute to the maintenance of social classes, the content that is presented through these mediums tends to encourage a less sympathetic public attitude towards those experiencing the repercussions of social inequality, in particular poverty and unemp... ... middle of paper ... ...nty-first century dilemma’, Sociological Inquiry, vol. 80, no. 1, pp. 28-33 Taylor-Gooby, P 2013, ‘Why do people stigmatise the poor at a time of rapidly increasing inequality, and what can be done about it?’, The Political Quarterly, vol. 84, no. 1, pp. 31-42. Thompson, JB 2011, ‘Shifting boundaries of public and private life’, Theory Culture Society, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 49-70 Wei, L, and Hindman ,DB 2011, ‘Does the digital divide matter more? Comparing the effects of new media and old media use on the education-based knowledge gap’, Mass Communications and Society, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 216-235. Welch, M, Price, EA, and Yankey, N 2002, ‘Moral panic over youth violence: Wilding and the manufacture of menace in the media’, Youth Society, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 3-29 West, DM 2005, ‘American politics in the age of celebrity’, The Hedgehog Review, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 59-65.
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According to John Davidson's essay Menace to Society, "three-quarters of Americans surveyed [are] convinced that movies, television and music spur young people to violence." While public opinion is strong, the results of research are divided on the effects of media violence on the youth in this country. Davidson wrote that most experts agree that some correlation between media violence and actual violent acts exists, yet the results are contradictory and researchers quibble about how the effects are to be measured (271). Moreover, Davidson is not convinced that the media is the sole problem of violence, or even a primary problem. He points out that other factors, such as "poverty, the easy accessibility of guns, domestic abuse, [and] social instability" may have a greater impact on a child becoming violent than the influence of the media (277). Even though other forces may be stronger, media violence does have some adverse effects on the members of society. If senseless violence on television and in movies had no effect, it would not be such a hotly debated topic. What type of effects and whom they affect are the most argued aspects of the discussion.
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The media, including television programming, cartoons, film, the news, as well as literature and magazines, is a very powerful and pervasive medium for expression. It can reach a large number of people and convey ideas, cultural norms, stereotypic roles, power relationships, ethics, and values. Through these messages, the mass media may have a strong influence on individual behavior, views, and values, as well as in shaping national character and culture. Although there is a great potential for the media to have a positive and affirming effect on the public and society at large, there may be important negative consequences when the messages conveyed are harmful, destructive, or violent.
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1. Late night television has become a major component of American politics. This has occurred for various reasons. One reason is that presenting the candidate or political figure head in a comedic light adds a sense of humanism to the person. Its gives the illusion to the public that that particular figure head is just like us.
The Effects of Popular Culture on Society Popular Culture is music, dance, theatre, film,T.V., poetry and Art which is enjoyed by a wide group of people. Some people would argue that popular culture in the 1960's cause harm. Other people however argued that other factors brought harm and change to society. Some people would argue that music would cause harm because of the lyrics in pop songs. Lyrics like 'Lets spend the night together' by The Rolling Stones, influenced young people to have casual sex.
There are many ways to define popular culture. Many individuals have grappled with the question what is popular culture? And how to critically analyze and deconstruct the meanings. Looking at the root words of popular culture is where to begin. Raymond Williams states ‘popular’ means: “well liked by many people" or “culture actually made for the people themselves (Storey, p.5). This is part with the word ‘culture’ combine to look at how the two words have been connect by theoretical work within social and historical context. John Storey approaches popular culture in six categories, they are as followed: “Popular culture is simply culture that is widely favoured or well liked by many people”, Popular culture is “the culture that is left over after we have decided what is high culture”, Popular culture is “mass culture”, “Popular culture is the culture that originates from ‘the people.” and “Popular culture as a site of struggle
How mass media is using both Ideology and Popular Culture to develop societal expectations and social identities. This essay will look at how Ideology, Hegemony, and Popular Cultural Theory shape common values and expectations of society and media’s influence and compare and contrast differing approaches to understanding the relationship between media and society. The discussion will be contextualized through the use of gender roles and expectations, and how these theories develop and affect the female social identity.
A sign system is representation through communication which in turn leads to a shared meaning or understanding. We hold mental representations that classify and organise the world (whether fact or fiction), people, objects and events into meaningful categories so that we can meaningfully comprehend the world. The media use sign systems through newspapers, magazines, television,internet, and the radio etc. The conceptual map of meaning and language are the basis of representation. The conceptual map of meaning, are concepts organised, arranged and classified into complex relations to one another. The conceptual map of meaning although allows you to distinguish your own individual interpretation of the world, at the same time as holding similar views to that of other people in your culture. As the meaning is produced and constructed and in turn learned by a particular group of people. Therefore sharing conventions and codes of their language and culture. Signs can only convey meaning if we possess codes which allow us to translate our concepts into language. These codes are the result of social conventions which lead to the shared maps of meaning. These shared meanings are learnt unconsciously as we become members of a culture.If we have a concept of something in our minds we can say we know the meaning of this concept. However we cannot express or communicate this meaning without the second system of representation, language. Language is the only way in which meanings can be effectively exchanged between people, as people within the same culture are able to interpret the sign of language in the same manner.
Media is one of the important pillars of human living in the contemporary world. Different significances have been attached to media depending on the impact experienced by different individuals. In explaining this social phenomenon about media relating to societies and culture, various theories have been put forward to increase understanding and relevance. In context is the understanding of uses and gratification, cultural imperialism and convergence theories towards understanding a personal connection to media.
The mass media has played a key role in shaping people’s lives. The modern society’s use of mass media including TV, radio, newspaper, as well as print media has largely influenced people’s ideas regarding themselves and the society at large. This is evident from their behavior towards themselves and their community as well as their treatment of the environment. While some experts believe that the media is to blame for most of the negative behavioral traits among the active members of society, the majority agree that the media makes people understand and develop a positive sense of association with their society within which they live, making it easy for them to identify and get their role in it.