Society and Culture
Topic Two: Popular Culture
The Nature of Popular Culture
A popular culture is a phenomenon that has widespread appeal. In society and culture, it should be something with global appeal. Some examples are: Barbie; the Beatles; surfing; and reality TV.
Distinguish Characters of Popular Culture
Associated with Commercial Products
The profit motive is a key factor in the spread of popular culture, e.g. Wiggles have CDs, videos, clothes and lunch-boxes.
(Usually) Developing from Local, to a National, to a Global Level
Popular cultures usually experience small scale success, then move to a national level where consumers have a similar culture. It then grows to a global phenomenon. The Wiggles started at Macquarie University, Sydney. Then they were signed to the ABC giving them national coverage. Now they are global, with Wiggles groups in many countries. Surfing started in Hawaii, became popular in the USA, then spread globally.
Some popular cultures missed a step. Justin Bieber won a contest in London (Canada). A performance was uploaded to YouTube which resulted in a global record contract. He was never popular just across Canada. One Direction never played locally. They first appeared as a group in UK on X-Factor (national), then went into global fame.
Allowing Consumers to Have Widespread Access
This refers to access in many places and also being available to many people in each country. Not only are Wiggles products available in many countries, e.g. Spain, Korea, etc., where people can see them on TV, DVDs, in books, etc., in their own language, but the products are relatively cheap, e.g. $9 for a DVD. Advances in technology have also improved access to popular cultures, e.g. apps on mobile phones.
Constantly Changing and Evolving
Once people have consumed what a popular culture has to offer, it has to develop something new to keep people consuming. For example, the Wiggles started with four men performing concerts. They added new characters, e.g.
The Nature of Popular Culture
A popular culture is a phenomenon that has widespread appeal. In society and culture, it should be something with global appeal. Some examples are: Barbie; the Beatles; surfing; and reality TV.
Distinguish Characters of Popular Culture
Associated with Commercial Products
The profit motive is a key factor in the spread of popular culture, e.g. Wiggles have CDs, videos, clothes and lunch-boxes.
(Usually) Developing from Local, to a National, to a Global Level
Popular cultures usually experience small scale success, then move to a national level where consumers have a similar culture. It then grows to a global phenomenon. The Wiggles started at Macquarie University, Sydney. Then they were signed to the ABC giving them national coverage. Now they are global, with Wiggles groups in many countries. Surfing started in Hawaii, became popular in the USA, then spread globally.
Some popular cultures missed a step. Justin Bieber won a contest in London (Canada). A performance was uploaded to YouTube which resulted in a global record contract. He was never popular just across Canada. One Direction never played locally. They first appeared as a group in UK on X-Factor (national), then went into global fame.
Allowing Consumers to Have Widespread Access
This refers to access in many places and also being available to many people in each country. Not only are Wiggles products available in many countries, e.g. Spain, Korea, etc., where people can see them on TV, DVDs, in books, etc., in their own language, but the products are relatively cheap, e.g. $9 for a DVD. Advances in technology have also improved access to popular cultures, e.g. apps on mobile phones.
Constantly Changing and Evolving
Once people have consumed what a popular culture has to offer, it has to develop something new to keep people consuming. For example, the Wiggles started with four men performing concerts. They added new characters, e.g.