In 1957 Richard Hoggart wrote The Uses of Literacy. His book was split
into two parts, the first looking at the era in which he grew up, the
1930’s and the second looking at the contemporary time, which was of
course the 1950’s. the aim of the book was to analyse what Hoggart saw
as the decline of the popular culture of the working class. He
discussed what was ‘good’ and ‘bad’ popular culture and what part they
played in the two times. These things are obviously a matter of
opinion and Hoggart puts his case to argue against the changes which
were occurring in the 1950’s, particularly with regards the moral
standards of the mass entertainment. In this essay Hoggart’s book and
arguments will be considered and then they will be evaluated.
In the first part of his book Hoggart looks at the popular culture of
the English working class of the 1930’s. He depicts the distinct
characteristics of the working class at that time and outlines in
detail a typical wedding and an example of a recreational activity of
them. He claims that the pastimes of the 1930’s working class were
generally group activities with everyone taking part at the same time.
The popular culture was therefore a reflection of this. As such
activities were a communal event they relied heavily on conventions
and everybody knowing what was expected of them and doing it.
The second part of the book looks at the contemporary (to the 1950’s)
working class. This part looks more at the popular culture of the time
rather than relaying the norms of it. It considers two sub cultures
and the popular cultures of them, one he critiques in detail, that of
the Teddy boys, who he calls th...
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...o enjoy one’s self
all the time causing a numbing of senses is one I am very interested
in. I feel it is a curious notion, it at first consideration makes
sense to me; over stimulate something and you will deaden it. However
after further consideration I began to contemplate what else is one to
consider if not how much one wants to do something and how enjoyable
it will, what other point to something could there be. I think though
Hoggart’s line of reasoning was that the constant need for instant
gratification will have this negative effect.
Bibliography
Storey J (2001): Culural Theory and Popular Culture An Introduction,
Dorchester: Prentice Hall
Storey J (1998): Cultural Theory and Popular Culture A Reader,
Dorchester: Prentice Hall
www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/HIShoggart.htm
en.wikipedia.org
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