Culture and Identity

visage CH 14 (M1203). qxp crapper Q7 26/3/08 1047 summon 29 CHAPTER 2 market-gardening and indistinguishability element physiognomy CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 rascal 30 ContentsKey issues The inwardness and sizingableness of husbandry dominating kitchen-gardening Sub kitchen-gardening Folk finish lavishly en religious culturation hoi polloi, favourite or be tinyd destination The c temporary removal eminence betwixt blue flori close and population conclusion institution(a) gloss The concept of individualism Different types of identicalness The enculturation lick Primary tenderizing Secondary well-disposedisation accessibleization and the neighborly device of ego and personal individuation operator operator operator a priori approaches to the role of socialization in the ecesis of socialization and identicalness Structural approaches Social action approaches A third delegacy structuration Social cryst nonwithstandingize an d individualism Social crystalise look chances Objective and subjective dimensions of class Social class shades Is social class of declining importance in forming identities? The continuing importance of social class Gender and identity operator kindle and sex activity Gender and biology The signi? cance of gender as a source of identity Gender stereotypes and hegemonic gender identities in Britain The social construction of hegemonic gender identities through and through socialization Changing gender identities 31 31 31 32 32 32 33 35 36 Is on that point a crisis of masculinity? Is gender clam up an substantial source of identity? 4 74 38 41 43 44 44 46 46 47 47 50 50 51 51 52 53 59 60 61 61 62 63 63 65 70 sexual activity and identity Gender, sex activity and normal sex Changing intimate identities Stigmatized or sp anointed sexual identities courageous and lesbian identities A note of heed Ethnicity and identity What is meant by an ethnic identity? Diaspora and inte rnationalization Changing ethnic identities current ethnicities and hybrid ethnic identities Ethnicity as impedance Ethnic identities in Britain Nationality and identity What is nationality? Nationality as a source of identity What is meant by a British identity? globularization and declining national identities A British identity crisis? deterrent and identity The social construction of disability impediment, socialization and stereotyping Disability as a master identity Disability a stigmatized or spoiled identity an identity of exclusion long time and identity The social construction of age Age chemical classifys and identity Leisure, utilisation and identity Postmodernism and identity The creation of identity in a media-saturated society How more than free topnotch is at that place in choosing identities and sustenancestyle? ratiocination on leisure, consumption and identity Chapter abstract Key ground Exam heading 76 76 76 77 77 78 79 79 80 81 82 82 87 87 88 88 91 92 93 93 94 95 95 96 96 97 coke c 101 103 109 110 111 112 visage CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 rogue 31 CHAPTER 2 ending and identicalness K EY I SS U ES ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? The meaning and importance of goal The concept of identity The socialization move Socialization and the social construction of self and identity Theoretical approaches to the role of socialization in the formation of civilization and identity Social class and identity Gender and identity Sexuality and identity Ethnicity and identity Nationality and identity Disability and identity Age and identity Leisure, consumption and identity The meaning and importance of socialisation The term elaboration refers to the language, beliefs, ranks and norms, custom, dress, diet, roles, association and skills, and all(a) the early(a) things that people hit the books that make up the manner of liveliness of both(prenominal) society. Culture is passed on from iodine generation to the abuttin g through the deal of socialization. Although there atomic number 18 numerous aspects of frequent life which ar sha inflammation by most members of society, there argon di? erent conceptions and de? nitions of culture within this general approach. These are discussed below.The superior culture of a society refers to the primary(prenominal) culture in a society, which is shared, or at least borrowed without opposition, by the majority of people. Dominant culture The sovereign culture of a society refers to the main culture in a society, which is shared, or at least accepted without opposition, by the majority of 31 BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 Page 32 32 Culture and Identity people. For usage, it dexterity be concluded that the main features of British culture take on it creation white, patriarchal and unequal, with those who are white and male having things they regard as valuey rated as to a gravider extent important than those who are female or from a nonage ethnic group.Similarly, those who are well-fixed and powerful (who are mainly excessively white and male) are in a position to subscribe their views of what is valuable and worthy in a culture regarded as more important, and given elevateder status, than those of early(a)s. Subculture When societies are actually subaltern, much(prenominal) as small villages in tralatitious societies, then all people whitethorn share a common culture or itinerary of life of life. However, as societies be devolve larger and more complicated, a number of smaller groups may emerge within the larger society, with nigh di? erences in their beliefs and way of life. Each group having these di? erences is referred to as a subculture. Folk culture Folk culture is the culture created by topical anesthetic communities and is rooted in the experiences, customs and beliefs of the everyday life of fair people.It is sure quite than construct, as it is actively created by ordinary people themselves. Examples include handed-d hold home euphony, folk songs, storytelling and folk dances which are passed on from one generation to the next by socialization and practically by direct experience. Folk culture is more often than not associated with pre-industrial or early industrial societies, though it still lingers on today among enthusiasts in the form of folk music and folk clubs, and the Morris dancing which features in many untaught events. A subculture is a smaller culture held by a group of people within the main culture of a society, in several(prenominal) ways distinguishable from the main culture but with many aspects in common.Examples of subcultures include those of most adolescent people, gypsies and travellers, gay people, different social classes and minority ethnic groups. Folk culture is the culture created by topical anaesthetic communities and is rooted in the experiences, customs and beliefs of the everyday life of ordinary people. heights culture High culture is largely shoot the breezen as being superior to other forms of culture, and refers to aspects of culture that are seen as of permanent nontextual matteristic or literary value, aimed at small, intellectual elites, pre ascendantly upper-class and middleclass groups, interested in new ideas, slender discussion and analysis and who ask what some might regard as beloved taste.High culture is seen as something come down ap trick from everyday life, something special to be treated with respect and reverence, involving things of endure value and p subterfuge of a heritage which is worth preserving. High culture products are often found in special places, resembling nontextual matter galleries, museums, concert halls and theatres. Examples of elevated-pitched culture products include serious news programs and documentaries, simple music the equal that of Mozart or High culture refers to ethnical products seen to be of lasting operativeic or l iterary value, which are particularly admired and approved of by elites and the upper middle class. An elite is a small group holding great power and privilege in society. BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 Page 33Culture and Identity Morris dancing is an example of traditional folk culture 33 Mass culture, sometimes called best-selling(predicate) culture or low culture, refers to heathen products produced for sale to the weed of ordinary people. These involve circleproduced, standardized, perfunctory products of no lasting value, which are seen to demand little critical thought, analysis or discussion. Beethoven, the theatre, opera, jazz, distant language or specialist art ? lms, and what has become established literature, much(prenominal)(prenominal) as the work of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen or Shakespeare, and visual art desire that of Monet, Gauguin, Picasso or caravan Gogh. Mass, customary or low cultureMass culture, sometimes called popular culture or low culture, is principally contrasted with lofty culture. This refers to everyday culture simple, BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 Page 34 34 Culture and Identity Video games are an example of popular culture undemanding, easy-to-understand entertainment, rather than something set obscure and special. Mass culture is seen by many as inferior to high culture. Such aspects of culture are a product of industrial societies. They are aimed at the big money of ordinary people, but overlook roots in their daily experiences as in folk culture, and are manufactured by businesses for pro? t rather than created by the community itself re? ecting its own experiences of daily life.Popular culture involves corporation-produced, standardized and short-lived products, sometimes of trivial content and seen by some as of no lasting artistic value, largely concerned with devising money for large corporations, especially the volume media. Popular culture might include mussiness circulation magazines, extensive coverage of celebrities, red top tabloid newspapers interchangeable the sunbathe or the Mirror, television soaps and reality TV shows, dramas and thrillers, rock and pop music, video games, blockbuster feature ? lms for the mass market, and thrillers bought for reading on the beach. Such culture is largely seen as passive and unchallenging, often fairly otiose entertainment, aimed at the largest number of people possible.Some Marxists compete that mass culture maintains the ideological hegemony (or the potentiality of a set of ideas) and the power of the sovereign social class in society. This is because the consumers of mass culture are lulled into an uncritical, undemanding passivity, fashioning them less likely to challenge the dominant ideas, groups and interests in society. BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 Page 35 Culture and Identity 35 The changing distinction surrounded by high culture and mass culture Some straightw ay argue that the distinction between high culture and mass culture is weakening. Postmodernist writers, in particular, argue that mass markets and consumption at present make the distinction between high and popular culture meaningless.There has been a extensive expansion of the creative and cultural industries, such as advertising, television, ? lm, music, and book and magazine publishing. This government agency there is immediately a big range of media and cultural products acquirable to all. applied science in industrial societies, such as mass communication applied science like the internet, music downloads, cable, satellite and digital television, ? lm and radio, printing for both mass deed and personal use in the home, the world(prenominal) reach of modern mass media technology, the mass production of goods on a globe scale and easier international transportation, make all forms of culture freely available to everyone.Such technology enables original music and art and other cultural products to be consumed by the mass of people in their own homes without visit specialized institutions like theatres or art galleries. High culture is no longstanding simply the preserve of cultural elites. mass nowadays gain a wider form of cultural choices and products available to them than ever earlier in history, and can pick and liquify from either popular or high culture. High culture art galleries, like Tate Modern in Lon fag, are now attracting very large numbers of visitors, from very diverse backgrounds. Live opera is now available to the masses, through popular ? gures like the OperaBabes, or concerts in the park.Strinati (1995) argues that elements of high culture have now become a part of popular culture, and elements of popular culture have been incorporated into high culture, and that there is hence no longer any real distinction between high and popular culture, and it is ever more di? cult for any one set of ideas of what is worthwhile culture to dominate in society. For example, artist Andy Warhol painted thirty pictures of Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa in di? erent colours, arguing that thirty was better than one, turning high culture art into popular culture. Although Warhols work has been marketed to millions through postcards and posters, at the alike time it is widely admired by the supporters of high culture.In 2007 there was some rock in Britain when the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, generally seen as an institution of high culture, held kylie The Exhibition an exhibition of costumes, album covers, accessories, photos and videos from the life of the then 38-year-old pop singer kiley Minogue. This drew wide scattering accusations from critics that high culture was being dumbed down. High culture art forms are themselves increasingly being turned into products for sale in the mass market for consumption by the mass of BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 Page 36 36 Culture and Identity ordinary people, and there is no longer anything special close art, as it is incorporated into daily life. Technology now representation mass audiences can see and study high culture products, such as paintings by artists like Van Gogh, on the internet or TV, and have their own framed print hanging on their sitting-room wall.The originals may still only be on show in art galleries and museums, but copies are available to everyone. High culture art like the Mona Lisa or Van Goghs Sun? owers are now reproduced on everything from socks and t-shirts to chocolates and can lids, mugs, mouse mats, tablemats, jigsaws and posters. (Visit or for some bizarre images and uses of the Mona Lisa. ) Classical music is use as a marketing bank line by advertisers, and literature is turned into TV series and major mass movies, such as Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice. Global culture Global culture refers to the way globalization has undermined national and local cultures, with cultural products and ways of life in di? erent countries of the world becoming more alike.The alike(p) cultural and consumer products are now sold crosswise the world, inspired by media advertising and a shared mass culture spread through a media-generated culture industry, and they have become part of the ways of life of many di? erent societies. For example, television companies sell their programmes and programme formats like Big Brother and Who Wants to be a Millionaire? globally. Companies like McDonalds, Coca Cola, Vodaphone, Starbucks, Nescafe, Sony and Nike are now symbols that are recognized crosswise the world, along with the consumer life styles and culture associated with them. As Ritzer (2004) shows, utilize the example of the American victuals industry, companies and brands now operate on a global scale.For example, McDonalds is a worldwide business, with 26,500 restaurants in more than 119 countries (in 2007), Pizza Hut and Kentucky heat up Chicken operate in 100 countries, and S ubway in 72 countries, with Starbucks outgrowth at a colossal speed. It is now possible to buy an identical nourishment product practically anywhere in the world, promoting a global culture and as well as weakening local cultures, as local food outlets close in the causa of competition and local diets change. Combined with global marketing of ? lms, music, computer games, food and array, football and other consumer products, these have made cultures across the world increasingly similar, with people observation the aforementioned(prenominal) TV programmes and ? lms, eating the same foods, wearing the same designer clothes and labels, and sharing many aspects of their lifestyles and identities.Global culture refers to the way cultures in different countries of the world have become more alike, sharing increasingly similar consumer products and ways of life. This has arisen as globalization has undermined national and local cultures. Globalization is the development interdepende nce of societies across the world, with the spread of the same culture, consumer goods and economic interests across the globe. BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 Page 37 The Mona Lisa Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa, c. 15031507, oil on poplar, The Louvre, Paris now has a spliff to relax and a planetary to keep in touch Mona Stoner, c. 2006, post on internet Fine art is now available on cubes to unravel with Source The Mona Lisa is transformed into a windowpane blindIn what ways do these pictures illustrate the wearing of the distinction between high culture and popular culture? fork over to return of other examples of this BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 26/3/08 1047 Page 38 38 Culture and Identity Activity 1 Refer to the pictures on this page, and let off in what ways they illustrate global culture. Try to think of other consumer products that are to a fault global. 2 In what ways do you think consuming these products withal involves lifestyle choices? For exam ple, whats the difference between having a coffee in Starbucks and in the local cafe (apart from the coffee itself)? Explain what lifestyle you think is identi? ed with your selected products. Identify and explain, with examples, trey differences between high culture, mass culture and folk culture. 4 Identify and explain three reasons why the distinction between high culture and popular culture might be weakening. Globalization means that many of the same product brands are now found in many countries of the world. The concept of identity Identity is about how individuals or groups see and de? ne themselves, and how other individuals or groups see and de? ne them. Identity is formed through the socialization process and the in? uence of social institutions like the family, the educational activity system and the mass media. The concept of identity is an important one, as it is only through establishing our own identities and earning about the identities of other individuals and gr oups that we come to know what makes us similar to some people and di? erent from others, and therefore form social connections with them. How you see yourself allow for in? uence the friends you have, who you will marry or live with, and the communities and groups to which you partake and belong. If people did not have an identity, they would overlook the means of identifying with or relating to their peer group, to their neighbours, to the communities BROWNE CH 14 (M1203). qxpJohn Q7 3/4/08 1549 Page 39 Culture and Identity 39 in which they lived or to the people they came across in their everyday lives. Identity therefore ? ts individuals into the society in which they live.The identity of individuals and groups involves both elements of personal choice and the responses and attitudes of others. Individuals are not free to adopt any identity they like, and factors like their social class, their ethnic group and their sex are likely to in? uence how others see them. The identi ty that an individual wants to preserve and which they may wish others to see them having may not be the one that others accept or recognize. An Asian woman, for example, may not wish to be identi? ed principally as an Asian or a woman, but as a senior manager or entertainer. However, if others still Look, dont identify me by the size and shape of my body, my social class, y job, my gender, my ethnicity, my sexuality, my nationality, my age, my religion, my education, my friends, my lifestyle, how much money I earn, the clothes I wear, the books I read, where I go shopping, the way I decorate my house, the television programmes and movies I watch, my leisure and sports activities, the car I drive, the music I listen to, the drinks I like, the food I eat, the clubs I go to, where I go on holiday, the way I speak or my accent, the things I say, the things I do, or what I believe in. Im just me. OK? extend to see her primarily in terms of her ethnic and gender characteristics, she may ? nd it di? cult to assert her chosen identity. Similarly, the pensionary who sees him or herself as young at heart may still be regarded as an old person by others.Individuals have multiple identities, asserting di? erent identities in di? erent circumstances. An individual may, for example, de? ne herself primarily as a Muslim in her family or community, as a manager at her work, as a lesbian in her sexual life, or as a designer-drug-user in her peer group. While the example of the Muslim, lesbian, drug-taking manager might seem a somewhat unlikely mix of identities, it does refer that it is possible for people to assert di? erent identities or impressions of themselves in di? erent social situations. Identities may also change over time. For example, as people grow older they may grow to see themselves as di? erent from when they were younger,