Culture is one of the most diverse words in the English
language. In this particular context, the word signifies an aesthetic,
intellectual and spiritual development in society. Karl Marx’s concept of the base/superstructure
outlines the process of culture development. The base requires forces such as
materials, tools and workers, which require relations of production based on
signifying roles in society. The superstructure is made of various societal
institutions. The base determines the content and form of the superstructure
reflecting the form of and legitimises the base. This process repeats and
generates culture.
Popular culture is culture developed for and consumed by the
majority of society. Products created for popular culture tend to be inferior
and commercialised as it deliberately sets out to win the favour of the people.
Popular culture carries the connotations of a disposable culture.
Mathew Arnold’s quite controversial opinion sees culture as
a way to police the ‘raw and uncultivated masses’. Arnold views culture as a
study of perfection which can only be attained though intellectual means and
can only be created by the upper class.
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