Discovering the 6 Definitions of Popular Culture: Keys to Understanding Our Society
Popular culture is a term that is constantly thrown around, but what does it actually mean? Understanding the different definitions of popular culture can provide insight into society as a whole. Let’s delve into the six different definitions of popular culture and how they shape our world.
Definition 1: Commercial Culture
Commercial culture is the first definition of popular culture, which refers to cultural products that are created for commercial purposes. These can include music, movies, video games, and more. Commercial culture often caters to the masses and is driven by profit. It can reflect societal values and trends, but it also has the power to influence them.
Definition 2: Folk Culture
Folk culture is the second definition of popular culture, which refers to cultural practices and beliefs that have been passed down orally or through tradition. This can include things like folklore, folk music, and folk art. While folk culture is often tied to a specific region or group, it can also have wider appeal and influence.
Definition 3: High Culture
High culture is the third definition of popular culture, which includes art forms that are highly regarded and typically reserved for the elite. This can include things like classical music, opera, and fine art. While high culture is not as accessible as commercial or folk culture, it serves as a way to elevate certain ideals and ideas within society.
Definition 4: Mass Culture
Mass culture is the fourth definition of popular culture, which refers to cultural products that are produced for a mass audience. This can include things like television shows, popular music, and blockbuster movies. Mass culture often serves as a way to unify large groups of people around shared interests and experiences.
Definition 5: Subculture
Subculture is the fifth definition of popular culture, which refers to cultural practices and beliefs that are unique to specific groups. This can include things like fandoms, punk rock culture, and skateboarding culture. Subcultures often serve as a form of self-expression and can provide a sense of belonging for those who are part of them.
Definition 6: Global Culture
Global culture is the sixth definition of popular culture, which refers to the cultural practices and beliefs that are shared among people around the world. This can include things like international music and fashion trends. Global culture highlights the interconnectedness of our world and the ways that cultural ideas and practices are constantly evolving and shifting.
Conclusion
Understanding the different definitions of popular culture is key to comprehending the world around us. Commercial culture reflects societal values and trends, folk culture is tied to tradition and heritage, high culture elevates certain ideals, mass culture unifies people, subcultures provide a form of self-expression, and global culture highlights our interconnectedness as a society. These different definitions of popular culture shape the music we listen to, the movies we watch, and the ways we interact with the world around us.
