What is described as popular culture?

Study for the University of Toronto SOC100H1 Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The concept of popular culture refers to cultural behaviors, norms, and artifacts that are widely accepted and consumed by the majority of society. This includes music, fashion, television shows, movies, and other forms of entertainment that resonate with a large audience and reflect the prevalent interests and values of the population.

Popular culture often serves as a reflection of the social dynamics, trends, and collective experiences of a community, making it a significant aspect of sociological studies. It can influence social norms and values, shaping the behaviors and beliefs of individuals within that society.

While niche groups and traditional practices have their own importance, they do not constitute popular culture in the same way. Niche groups represent specific segments of society with unique tastes or interests, and traditional cultural practices may be elements of heritage that do not resonate broadly in contemporary contexts. Thus, popular culture is understood as the set of cultural elements that are widely embraced and that represent the mainstream tastes of a large segment of society.

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