You probably have heard of the term “pop culture.” It is often related to entertainment, such as music and art. You can also observe that there are many books that tackle them, such as how the modern varied cultures on Rahn’s book are highlighted. But, do you have any idea what does it really mean when you say pop culture?
Thus, let us get to know the general information about the subject so we can widen our knowledge and get a better grasp of it.
Overview of Popular Culture
According to Oxford Bibliographies, pop culture pertains to the group of principles, traditions, and objects that signify or represent a social system’s widely shared senses and interpretations. Media and linguistic assembly, literature and film, art and music, fashion and trends, and other aspects are under its wing. Apart from that, it is also linked to mass or folk culture but is contrasted to high and organizational cultures. The generally agreed factors under the scope of popular culture are frequently subject to change. Some particular qualities and principles are reflected and embodied by those aspects, which are those that were already mentioned above.
Moreover, prior to or during the 19th century, the term “popular culture” was coined, which people shortened to pop culture or pop until the current century. It was primarily associated with inadequate education and lower social classes, which is in contrast to the official culture and the upper classes. But, there was a great improvement in the literacy rate, capitalism, and industrialization in the West, such as Britain, around the 18th to the 19th century.
Following the Second World War, there were gradual advancements in mass media around the West. It resulted in huge changes and developments in both cultural and social facets. Considering the presence of the Great Depression, capitalism still thrived during those moments. As a result, freshly created goods and services were offered and sold to all social classes to boost profits. While everything is on the rise, pop culture also got along with it. It emerged with the mass media, print, and other elements that were made specifically for public consumption.
Examples of Popular Culture
Pop culture is made up of multiple things that have greatly influenced the masses. That said, the examples of popular culture include but are not limited to the following:
Entertainment
Those extremely entertaining movies and TV shows are generally considered as part of pop culture. There are millions of people who love to watch films and shows. Most of them have seen those particular shows more than once. Apart from that, there are also many masses drawn into other forms of entertainment, such as plays, circuses, video games, and more.
Fashion
At present, fashion is considered a way of expression. Many consider this aspect as a tool to gain a sense of identity. How a person dresses up also reflects on his cultural heritage and history. You can observe how fashion trends tend to change. Hence, there are many factors in society that heavily influence what people wear. For example, loose-fit types of denim, tie-dyes, flared pants, and boyfriend jeans that have gone out of style a few years back tend to dominate and are extremely popular these days.
Sports
People love to play and watch different kinds of sports. Thus, the public is more responsible for its growing popularity. There are specific events that are patronized by a global community, such as the Olympics, while there are certain sporting activities that are consumed by smaller groups, such as a school football match. Sports have become prevalent in society and have symbolized a significant part of people’s lives. Supporting through watching and cheering to a group or a player is one of the many ways of being a part of pop culture.
Pop fiction
Literature never goes out of style; instead, it goes along with the evolution of time. Pop fiction is considered a subgenre of fiction that houses tales purposely written to contain references based on other writings and media. Thus, they are books or stories with pop culture references.
Music
Like literature, music is also greatly influenced by pop culture. Thus, a music genre called pop or popular music emerged around the mid-1950s in the West. They are composed of other styles and kinds of music that intensely appeal to the public.
Oliver’s Twist 