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Transcript
Culturescope Resources: Popular Culture Sociological Theories and Popular Culture by Jodi Arrow, Macarthur Girls High School Throughout the history of the discipline of Sociology, there have been several major schools of thought which have developed. These are designed to give us a framework for thinking about how society works and each is informed by a particular sociological position. While it is not always possible to fit all aspects of society into each of these frameworks in a neat and easy way, it can be useful to gain an insight into the role of different institutions (like media) in the functioning of society. We are going to look at three main ones: Functionalism, Conflict Theory and Symbolic Interactionism. Functionalism Macro theory - looks at society from the 'top down' and constructs a 'grand narrative' Conflict Theory Also a Macro theory 'grand narrative' Based on the theories of Based on the theories of Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx Talcott Parsons Uses the analogy of society as being like a human body, made up of inter-dependent institutions (like family, education, government, media). When one institution fails in its role, the other institutions work harder to compensate for it. Society is always aiming for a state of equilibrium and continuity. Sees conflict as being central to change in society. Originally, Marx saw this as being the conflict between the economic classes which would lead to revolution or war and eventually a temporary resolution. Modern conflict theories have focussed less on class conflict and more on the conflict between competing interests in society (over things like religion, race, politics, gender etc). These theories see conflict as being resolved through either the precedence of the interests of the Symbolic Interactionism Micro theory - looks at society from the position of individuals. This provides an alternative to the macro theories. No 'grand narrative'! Based on the theories of George Herbert Mead Sees individuals in society as being the products of their personal interactions with elements of society throughout their lives. This then affects their perception of elements of society and how they interpret those elements. Mead sees all of us as being the product of our own social experiences, and therefore we will dominant group, or through compromise by both sides. Through socialisation, education and the role of ideology, people accept Members of society their roles and act accept their roles within accordingly. Ideologies it (often unconsciously) are created and and act accordingly. perpetuated by the 'ruling This limits their personal class' which is designed power and decisionto reinforce their position making ability. and maintain the oppression of the submissive classes. As a theory, explains continuity, not change. Suggests that all change is gradual and progressive - things are getting better. Was designed as a response to Functionalism that explains radical change sees radical change as inevitable. interpret society in a unique way. People construct their own social reality. They are socialised to accept certain meanings for 'symbols' through interactions, socialisation etc. People agree on these meanings, which creates a common social reality. Mead then looks at how these social realities effect society. Isn't trying to find a grand narrative of change OR continuity is looking at the 'nuts and bolts'. Putting the Theories into Practice! Sociologists are often concerned with the role of norms in our society - how people learn them, how they are reinforced, and what purpose they serve. The norm: That in Australian society you have to have a job, which gives you your sense of self-worth. According to this norm, to be unemployed is shameful and to be avoided at all costs. How do people learn it? Through socialisation by the institutions of family and education. The education system is designed and run by the ruling classes. They perpetuate the ideology of 'work-is-good-for-you'. People's socialisation and personal experiences allow them to construct the meaning of work individually. For example, if both parents work, they experience the financial benefits of working, and see poor people who don't work as 'missing out'. How is it reinforced? Symbolic Interactionists see this from a micro Through workforce culture, peers, media, family and the government Institutions that are run by the ruling classes, especially the media. perspective - for some people it is reinforced through their personal experiences. However, for others, their personal experiences may preclude the reinforcement of this norm, eg, parents not working. What purpose does it serve? The primary purpose is to maintain the health of the workforce. The secondary purpose is to maintain the health of the government, family, and the reproduction of norms in future generations. On an individual level, reinforces the desire to Allows the ruling classes to work. But Symbolic exploit the working classes Interactionists aren't by convincing them that concerned with a macro what they're doing is purpose. They want to 'normal' and 'good for know why some people them'. accept the norms and why others reject it. So What About Teen Movies? Functionalists see popular culture as a response to the laws of cultural supply and demand - the creation of teen movies can be seen as an attempt to adapt to the postWWII change in society that saw the creation of this new market of teenagers. The teen movie has allowed teens to be absorbed into the social structure in a coherent way, and has perpetuated this distinction over time. Teens are kept as a different but integrated and accepted social group. Conflict theorists would see teen movies as part of the perpetuation of ideology in society. They would focus on the portrayal of ideologies relating to class, race and gender in teen movies as reinforcing the oppressive norms in our society. Conflict theorists would also be look at the perpetuation of consumption ideology through the films - earning, and more importantly spending, money will make you happy, promotion of particular products etc. Symbolic Interactionists would look at how individuals interact with and are socialised by teen movies. The audience views and interprets the symbols presented in the films and this affects the way they interpret not only the films themselves, but the symbols in their own lives. So the way an audience interprets a symbol in a film (simply, an image, institution, person or thing) will be entirely determined by their previous interactions with other iterations of that symbol. Then, the way they interpret the symbol in the film will also determine the way they interact with and interpret those symbols in future - in media and in 'reality'.