Pop Culture (Lecture 1)

Captial -C Culture

What we think high-end creative production is (ex. opera, ballet).

Popularis

“of or belonging to the people”

2 Components of popularity

Consumption: refers to the things we buy (or watch or listen to, etc).

Production: what “the people” make or do for themselves.

Production shapes what is available to consume, while consumption gives products meaning and cultural value. Both are influenced by social structures like class, race, and capitalism.

Folk culture

Cultural products and practices that have developed over time within a particular community or socially identifiable group.

From generation to generation among people who know each other (ex. life experiences).

Face to face, oral communication.

Mass culture

Produced for an known, disparate audience.

Depends on electronic media to convey its message to as many people as possible to max profits (ult goal).

Capitalism

Dominant economic system.

Key characteristics: wealth generating capacity and the patterns of inequitable distribution on which that capacity depends.

Helps to determine the shape of culture.

Enables the production of pop culture.

Williams, Hoggart, Thompson

3 influential people in the development of the more inclusive vision of “culture” that would come to define cultural studies.

Commodity fetishism

Describes what happens under a capitalist system in which material objects are bought and sold.

Assigning a value that has no logical connection to human labour or usefulness.

What are the three primary dimensions of culture according to O’Brien and Szeman?

Products, texts, and practices.

What do O’Brien and Szeman mean by "products" in the context of culture?

Tangible cultural items such as music, clothing, and art that express and reflect cultural values.

What are "texts" in cultural studies?

Any form of communication (e.g., literature, film, advertisements) that conveys cultural meaning and can be interpreted.

How are "practices" defined in cultural studies?

Routine behaviors and traditions that shape and reflect cultural identity and social norms.

How does commercialization affect culture?

It transforms cultural expressions into commodities, often altering or diluting traditional meanings for mass appeal and profit.

How do traditional practices relate to culture?

They preserve heritage and identity, passed down through generations, often resisting or adapting to modern influences.

What role do beliefs and way of life play in cultural identity?

They shape how groups understand the world and live daily life, forming the foundation of group cohesion.

Is culture naturally occurring, according to O’Brien and Szeman?

No, culture is constructed and produced; it does not exist independently of human meaning-making.

What do O’Brien and Szeman mean by "culture is collectively made"?

Culture is created through shared human activity, interpretation, and interaction—not by individuals in isolation.

How does culture both define us and mark differences between us?

It provides a sense of identity while distinguishing between groups based on language, values, and traditions.

Cultural studies

Thinking about WHY and HOW inclusions and exclusions occur.

Power

Who has it? Who exercises it?

Central consideration in the study of pop culture.

Taste

Taste is not natural or personal; it is socially constructed. It reflects social class, education, and cultural exposure. What we consider "good taste" is shaped by institutions and dominant cultural norms.

Pop culture

Constantly changing shape, shifting locations, assuming new identities and new tasks and functions.

What does “coffee” signify in cultural/media studies?

Coffee, beyond being a drink, signifies status, routine, identity, and global labour dynamics. It reflects class (e.g., Starbucks vs. Timmies), cultural rituals, and hidden labour practices in its production and consumption.

Do iconic brands remain fixed over time?

No, iconic brands evolve to stay relevant.

How does Douglas Holt define an "iconic brand"?

An iconic brand is one that holds significant cultural meaning and resonates deeply with consumers, often becoming part of their identity and lifestyle.

Memetics

Memetics refers to the study of how ideas and cultural phenomena spread and evolve(ex. Elmo's messages going viral).