DEFINITION
a complex and evolving concept that encompasses the set of ideas, practices, beliefs, images, objects, and phenomena that are prevalent and widely accepted within mainstream society at a given point in time.
From rock and hip-hop to K-pop and EDM, it transcends social and geographic boundaries, acting as both a reflection of and catalyst for social change
MUSIC
Defamiliarization
Bertolt Brecht
views popular culture as a reflection of the social structures, relationships, and power dynamics within society
Sociology
Sitcoms, dramas, reality shows, and blockbuster movies frequently shape public discourse on family structures, professional life, romantic relationships, and cultural norms
Semiotics
Charles Sanders Peirce
emphasizes the role of ideology, power, and identity in the production and consumption of popular culture
Cultural Studies
Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube have become central to the creation and spread of popular culture
SOCIAL MEDIA DIGITAL PLATFORMS
Form, Content, Context
Terry Barrett
tends to approach popular culture as a form of contemporary folklore — shared practices and narratives that help groups make sense of the world around them
Anthropology
The rise of streetwear, and gender-neutral clothing both mirrors and influences societal values and identity constructs
FASHION
Encoding/Decoding
Stuart Hall
serves as both a mirror and a mold for society
Popular Culture
phrases like “woke,” “cancel culture,” and “ghosting” have entered common usage largely through their prevalence in online discourse and media.
Symbolic Interactionism
George Herbert Mead