Unpacking the Differences Between Popular Culture and Mass Culture
Do you often find yourself using ‘popular culture’ and ‘mass culture’ interchangeably? If so, you’re not alone. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the meanings, differences, and connections between popular culture and mass culture.
What is Popular Culture?
Popular culture refers to the trends, beliefs, and practices that are widely accepted and followed by the general public. It is the cultural products and practices that are enjoyed and consumed by a broad range of people. Popular culture is often influenced by mass media such as movies, music, television shows, and social media. It is constantly evolving and changing.
What is Mass Culture?
On the other hand, mass culture refers to the cultural products and practices that are produced and disseminated through the mass media. It is a form of culture that is produced for profit and commercial purposes. Mass culture is often characterized by a homogenization of cultural products, a lack of originality, and a focus on the lowest common denominator.
The Differences Between Popular Culture and Mass Culture
While both popular culture and mass culture are influenced by the mass media, they have distinct differences. The main difference between the two is that popular culture is shaped by the public and the general public’s interests, while mass culture is shaped by corporate interests and is produced for profit. Popular culture is more diverse and subject to change, while mass culture is more standardized and uniform.
In popular culture, individuals have more agency, while in mass culture, there is more control over the audience. Popular culture is often the product of grassroots efforts, social movements, and trends that emerge from the public, while mass culture is shaped by the media and other powerful institutions.
Examples of Popular and Mass Culture
To better understand the differences between popular culture and mass culture, let’s look at some examples. Popular culture includes things like viral TikTok trends, meme culture, street art, and fashion influencers. Here, the public drives these trends and they often emerge from local and grassroots movements.
On the other hand, mass culture includes things like popular television shows on major networks, blockbuster movies, top 40 music charts, and commercialized sports events. These cultural products are produced by massive entertainment conglomerates with the goal of making a profit.
The Connection Between Popular Culture and Mass Culture
Despite their differences, popular culture and mass culture are not mutually exclusive. Mass culture often incorporates elements of popular culture to appeal to a broader audience. For example, major sports events like the Super Bowl are a form of mass culture, yet they incorporate elements of popular culture through the halftime show and celebrity endorsements.
In conclusion, it is important to recognize the differences between popular culture and mass culture and how they are both interrelated. As consumers, we have the power to support diverse and original cultural products, from local grassroots movements to popular influencers. By understanding the differences between these two cultural spheres, we can make informed choices about what we consume and support.
