Unpacking John Storey’s 6 Definitions of Popular Culture for a Deeper Understanding
Popular culture is a complex term that is often debated among scholars and observers alike. One influential figure in this discourse is British cultural theorist John Storey, who has proposed six definitions of popular culture. Understanding these definitions can help us gain a deeper understanding of the role that popular culture plays in our society and how we interact with it.
What is Popular Culture?
Before delving into Storey’s definitions, it’s essential to define what we mean by popular culture. Popular culture refers to the cultural products, practices, and phenomena that are popular and widely disseminated among the public. This includes music, film, television shows, sports, fashion, memes, and other forms of cultural expression that enjoy mass appeal.
Storey’s Six Definitions of Popular Culture
1. Folk Culture: The first definition of popular culture that Storey proposes is folk culture. This refers to the cultural practices and traditions of ordinary people, often in rural or remote communities, that are passed down through oral tradition or simple technologies. Examples of folk culture include folk tales, folk music, and traditional handicrafts.
2. Mass Culture: The second definition of popular culture is mass culture. This involves the standardized cultural products and practices that are produced and disseminated by mass media and other commercial enterprises. Examples of mass culture include blockbuster movies, popular music charts, and television programs that cater to a broad audience.
3. Popular Culture as Resistance: The third definition of popular culture is popular culture as resistance. This refers to the ways in which oppressed or marginalized groups use popular culture to assert their identities and struggles for social justice. Examples of popular culture as resistance include hip hop music, queer cinema, and alternative subcultures.
4. Popular Culture as Commercial Culture: The fourth definition of popular culture is popular culture as commercial culture. This refers to the ways in which popular culture is produced and consumed as a commodity. Commercial culture is driven by profit and market forces, and products are often designed to appeal to specific demographic niches to maximize revenue.
5. Popular Culture as Participatory Culture: The fifth definition of popular culture is popular culture as participatory culture. This involves the active engagement of audiences and consumers in the creation, dissemination, and interpretation of cultural products and practices. Examples of participatory culture include fan fiction, YouTube vlogs, and social media communities.
6. Popular Culture as Global Culture: The sixth and final definition of popular culture is popular culture as global culture. This involves the ways in which cultural products and practices are disseminated and consumed on a global scale. Examples of global popular culture include Hollywood movies, K-pop music, and international sporting events like the Olympic Games.
Implications and Takeaways
Storey’s six definitions of popular culture provide a useful framework for analyzing and understanding the multifaceted nature of popular culture. They also highlight the complex interplay between culture and power in our society, with examples of both resistance and commercial exploitation. Furthermore, these definitions demonstrate the dynamic and evolving nature of popular culture and the ways in which it reflects and shapes our cultural values and beliefs.
In conclusion, understanding the different dimensions of popular culture can help us navigate and appreciate the cultural landscape that surrounds us. Whether we are passive consumers or active creators, popular culture is an integral part of our lives that shapes our identities and the ways we interact with others.
