Popular Culture: An Introduction

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What is Popular Culture?

Popular culture studies popular culture from a critical theory perspective. It is generally considered a combination of communication studies and cultural studies.

Barriers between so-called high and low culture have broken down, which encompasses such diverse media as comic books, television, mass media, and the Internet.

The theory of progressive evolution:

Capitalist economies create opportunities for every individual to participate in a culture which is fully democratized through mass education, expansion of leisure time and cheap entertainment, media and paperbacks. In this liberal view, popular culture (low culture) does not threaten high culture, but is an authentic expression of the needs of the people.

Click here (a very pop culture idea in the first place) and read about Popular Culture on Wikipedia (another pop culture idea). Take notes to define, understand the component parts of the subject area, and its characteristics.

Activity: Think, Pair, Share: Make a list of popular culture topics in any of the following areas:
  • Pop or Media Icons
  • Fads
  • Technology
  • Sports/Leisure Activities
  • Music
  • Fashion
  • Food or lifestyle
After compiling a list, pair up with a neighbor and compare lists. How many of your items are reproduced on your partner's list? Discuss your list with your partner. For the next few days, look for items or topics to add to your list. What's popular right now on television, film, books, media, technology, food, fashion, fads, sports, games, lifestyle, music, internet, etc.

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