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Popular Culture

Definition

Popular culture (or pop culture) is a set of practices, beliefs, and objects that are dominant or prevalent in a society at a given point in time.

Analogy

Imagine popular culture as trending hashtags on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. They represent what most people are talking about or interested in at any given moment.

Related terms

Mass Media: These are various means by which information reaches large numbers of people such as television, print media (newspapers), and online platforms.

Consumerism: A social and economic order that encourages an acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts; often drives trends in popular culture.

Subculture: A cultural group within a larger culture with shared interests or values differing from those of mainstream society.

"Popular Culture" appears in:

Practice Questions (2)

  • Which emerging media contributed significantly to the spread of popular culture during the mid-20th century?
  • What technological advancement in the mid-20th century had a profound influence on popular culture across Europe?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.