HIGH & LOW CULTURE
You can generally divide society up into 'high' and 'low' cultures. The high culture is considered elite, and have a distinctive culture. They are known to be educated, and to have good taste. They are associated with high standard and elite activities such as opera, shakespear, expensive resturaunts, french and arty films. Aspects of 'high culture' are good for society, but are often funded by the 'low' cultures - for example the national lottery funding arty dance and theatre companies that the low culture classes probably wouldnt enjoy anyway.
Meanwhile, the low culture is associated with soap operas, reality TV, musicals, fast food and hollywood films.7
IS THERE REALLY A HIGH V LOW CULTURE IN SOCIETY?
Some researchers argue that there is no existance of this high/low culture. Some sociologists argue this view is based on an elitist perspective. Bordieu (1984) states that the whole idea of high culture is just a way of giving status to elite groups, and that this status is maintained by passing on cultural knowledge.
Marxists argue that high culture is just ruling culture, and that the ruling class have imposed their idea of culture onto society, and defined it as 'better' than the working classes culture. Marxists argue that the 'low' culture can be just as complex and sophisticated as the high culture. The term 'popular' culture is now often used as a more positive way of describing 'low culture'.
Meanwhile, the low culture is associated with soap operas, reality TV, musicals, fast food and hollywood films.7
IS THERE REALLY A HIGH V LOW CULTURE IN SOCIETY?
Some researchers argue that there is no existance of this high/low culture. Some sociologists argue this view is based on an elitist perspective. Bordieu (1984) states that the whole idea of high culture is just a way of giving status to elite groups, and that this status is maintained by passing on cultural knowledge.
Marxists argue that high culture is just ruling culture, and that the ruling class have imposed their idea of culture onto society, and defined it as 'better' than the working classes culture. Marxists argue that the 'low' culture can be just as complex and sophisticated as the high culture. The term 'popular' culture is now often used as a more positive way of describing 'low culture'.
FOLK CULTURE - replaced by mass culture
Folk culture is the culture of preindustrial society. It is traditional and includes things like folk dances, folk songs, fairy tales, old wives tales and traditional remedys and medicines. It is passed on through word of mouth.
Robert Redfield (1947) - Folk societies were based on strong extended families, supportive communities and a local culture. This is not present in urban communities.
Georg Simmel (1950) - Urban societies showed a reduced sense of communities, and argued that urban people were more individualistic and selfish.
Frankfurt School argued that the reduced sense of community was linked to the development of Mass Culture... They argue that the media is a very strong agent of socialistation and was wiping out the difference between different cultures.
Robert Redfield (1947) - Folk societies were based on strong extended families, supportive communities and a local culture. This is not present in urban communities.
Georg Simmel (1950) - Urban societies showed a reduced sense of communities, and argued that urban people were more individualistic and selfish.
Frankfurt School argued that the reduced sense of community was linked to the development of Mass Culture... They argue that the media is a very strong agent of socialistation and was wiping out the difference between different cultures.
global culture
Giddens (1999) says that technological change has led to globalisation. Goods can nowadays be transported anywhere in the world, and we can have a taste of different cultures easily in our own home. British and US pop music can be heard all over the world, just as bollywood films can be viewed in the western world.
Klein (2000) and Sklair (1995) point out that large TNC's such as coca cola, nike and Apple make product that are globally available. Critics argue that these Global TNC's will replace he worlds current cultural diversity. Klein argues that theres already a trend towards cultural homeogentiy - everyone having the same stuff.
Symbolic Consumption -
People dont just by for function alone , for example buying a pair of trainers. We choose ones that look good nd suit our style. They hold a symbolic value.
Klein (2000) and Sklair (1995) point out that large TNC's such as coca cola, nike and Apple make product that are globally available. Critics argue that these Global TNC's will replace he worlds current cultural diversity. Klein argues that theres already a trend towards cultural homeogentiy - everyone having the same stuff.
Symbolic Consumption -
People dont just by for function alone , for example buying a pair of trainers. We choose ones that look good nd suit our style. They hold a symbolic value.
POSSIBLE EXAM Q'S
- Explain and briefly evaluate why high culture is seen as superior to low culture (24 marks)
- Suggest three ways the united kingdom is effected by global culture. (6 marks)
