1. Soc. 118 Media, Culture & Society
Chapter 5
Bright Lights, Big City: Creating Popular Culture

2. OVERVIEW The Social Context of Production
Urbanism and cultural creativity
The Reflection Theory of Culture
Constraints on production
Cultural Creativity as Collaborative Activity
Art Worlds
Arts and Crafts
Buying In and Selling Out
Case Study: Rock Musicians
Video: “Radiohead: Meeting People is Easy”

3. The Social Context of Production
Urbanism and cultural creativity
Characteristics of urbanism
Subcultures
Periods of great modern art in NYC
Other great American cities and creativity
Reflection Theory of Culture
Pop culture reflects society
Audience preference
Constraints on production
Legal, organizational
Examples: Copyright and sampling, Bruce Springsteen’s career
Technological constraints
Examples: 3-minute pop song, concept album, MP3

5. Cultural Creativity as Collaborative Activity
Collaborative circles or Art Worlds
Media produced thru collaboration
Social networks
Cooperate to work together
Creators interact in social settings
Cultural Convention
Practice or technique widely used in a field
Shapes creative work
Examples:
Newspapers, magazines, pop songs
Also shapes audience expectations
“Unconventional” media breaks with customs
Example: “Stairway to Heaven”

6. Case Study: Rock Musician Careers
Myths and misconceptions
Art Work
Talent
Discipline
Solitary
Professional Role
Role socialization and expectations
Social networks
Conventions
Selling Out
Commercial aspect to show business
Sponsorship, merchandizing
Romance and Disenchantment
Attractions
Cynicism

7. Video Presentation: