Introduction to Popular Culture

Part 1 - Definitions of Popular Culture

HUM080 Lecture
by Prof. Melannie Flor Irene R. Dela Cruz
Is their dance considered as
“popular culture”?

Why or why not?

Is their dance considered
as part of “popular
culture”?

Why or why not?

 Some Definitions of Popular Culture
There are many definitions for Popular Culture, but for our discussion we will discuss 5 definitions
given by John Storey in his book Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction:

1. Culture widely favored or liked by many people.

2. Culture left over after we have decided what is high culture.
3. Culture considered as a “mass culture”.
4. Culture that originates from “the people.”
5. A site of struggle.
1. Culture widely favored or liked by many
people.
Thus the word “popular” in the term “popular culture.”
 2. Culture left over after we have decided what
is high culture.
“High culture” is known for its exclusivity and difficulty of access. On
the contrary, we can come across and engage with popular culture
much more easily.

Swedish opera singers photo by Lars Jacob Photo of ASAP set by Hollyckuhno - own work, CC BY 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49885533 https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35344390
3. Culture considered as a “mass culture”.
• One reason why popular culture is more accessible is because it is
made to be easily accessible and appealing to many people (the
masses). Popular culture is mainstream.
4. Culture that originates from “the people.”
• Since popular culture is a culture widely favored or liked by many
people, how “something” becomes a part of popular culture can
depend on people’s perception towards that “something”.
5. A site of struggle.
• Popular culture is more than just a discussion of what counts as
entertainment and leisure. It is also a matter of power and politics.
• Understanding popular culture involves understanding the concepts
of culture and ideology.
 End of Part 1
Thank you ☺

References:
• Storey, John (2006). Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction.
Pearson Education Limited
• Storey, John (1998). Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader (2nd edition).
University of Georgia Press: Athens.