Subsets of Culture

Subsets of Culture

  • High Culture: Associated with elite, wealthy, educated individuals; exclusionary but increasingly inclusive; often housed in urban centers; high barrier to entry.

  • Pop Culture: Popular among the general public; changes rapidly; originates from urban areas; influenced by mass media; social media blurs lines between entertainment and advertisement.

  • Folk Culture: Traditional practices maintained over generations; varies by region; thrives in isolated communities.

Mainstream Culture

  • High Culture: Cultural products of society's elite; not widely accessible.

  • Pop Culture: Widely recognized and participated in by society; examples include popular movies and trends.

  • Folk Culture: Reflects traditional customs and practices of local communities.

Types of Subcultures

  • Defined by distinct characteristics yet retains some mainstream traits.

  • Includes ethnic, racial, hobby-based, religious, lifestyle, and value-based subcultures.

Subculture Traits

  • Possesses unique material objects and language.

  • Develops values and norms that differ from mainstream society.

Counter Culture

  • Actively rejects mainstream norms and values; seeks change.

  • Emerges in response to dominant cultural pressures.

Ethnocentrism

  • Belief in the naturalness of one's own culture and viewing others as strange or inferior; leads to prejudice.

  • Eurocentrism: Focuses on Western culture as superior; awareness has increased post-1990s due to decolonization efforts.

Culture Shock

  • The surprise and confusion experienced when encountering different cultural practices; often arises from everyday interactions.