Introduction
My argument: is popular culture is more democratic now. To support this argument I will firstly, examine the evolution of popular culture. Secondly, explore how popular culture opens access and allow for creativity. Third I will analyse how popular culture influenced conflict between the social classes. Fourth, consumerism in popular culture and popular culture in the media will be evaluated. Finally I will see how popular culture open access and allows for creativity. All of this will then be evaluated and a conclusion arrived at as to whether or not popular culture is now more democratic.
How has popular culture evolved?
The city environment provides a thriving hub for engagement with popular culture. Popular culture has evolved and been created by everyone, however where popular culture and sub-cultures thrive is in a city environment. Robert E Park states in his essay “The City, Suggestions for the Investigation of Human Behaviour”, “In the city all the secret ambitions and all the expressed desire find somewhere...” (Park, R.E. 2005). Park argues that everyone’s outlook on life can and will find a place or group of people in which to express themselves, especially in cities. This generally manifests itself in a positive manner where individuals such as Goths express themselves through the dress they wear and the music they listen to; however there is also a downside. This kind of cultural expression can take on the form of gangs, antisocial behaviour and drug addiction. Disenfranchised individuals can see a draw to these setting due to the need for a social identity. Park believed that this was due to the fact that there is a lack of primary relationships in cities (Park, R.E. 2005).
In small rural towns and villages there is a Park suggests a high level of primary relations (Park, R.E. 2005), were everyone knows each other, local gossip and the fact that the church has more influence in these areas acts as a form of social control and...