Pop Culture & Folk Culture

What’s the definition of culture?

Culture can be broken into two broad categories: Folk Culture and Popular Culture.

What is Pop Culture?

cultural activities or commercial products reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people. Definition…

Examples of Pop Culture

So what does that mean? More simply… the arts, artifacts, entertainment, fads, beliefs and values that are shared by large segments of society. the consumerist, media driven culture that pervades our daily life. So what does that mean?

Pop Culture Characteristics Consists of large masses of people who conform to and prescribe to ever-changing norms Large heterogeneous groups Often highly individualistic and groups are constantly changing Pronounced division of labor leading to establishment of specialized professions Police and army take the place of religion and family in maintaining order Pop Culture Characteristics

Pop Culture Eras Activity: Think of an era in society and what comes to your mind first. 50’s… 60’s… 70’s… 80’s… 90’s… 2000’s… Pop Culture Eras

1950’s

1960’s

1970’s

1980’s

1990’s

2000’s

What is Folk Culture?

Traditional modes of behavior and expression that are transmitted from generation to generation (by firsthand interaction) among a group or people. Definition…

the knowledge and traditions that grew out of a people's unique history and experiences. So what does that mean?

Folk Culture Characteristics Made up of people who maintain the traditional Describes people who live in an old-fashioned way-simpler life-style Rural, cohesive, conservative, largely self-sufficient group, homogeneous in custom Strong family or clan structure and highly developed rituals Tradition is paramount change comes infrequently and slowly Folk Culture Characteristics

Folk Culture Examples:

Folk Culture Video: Bhutan during the video create a T chart in your notes, on one side list characteristics in Bhutan reflecting Folk Culture and on the other side Popular culture. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZPKjLtVT04 Folk Culture Video: Bhutan

Video Discussion Why is Folk culture clustered? Why is popular culture widespread? Video Discussion

1. How is popular culture contributing to the disintegration of folk culture around the world? Give 2 locations and explain the impact of pop culture and folk culture on each other. 2. Why does the United States lack a distinct folk culture? Homework Questions: