High and Popular Culture

The difference between high culture and low culture mainly concentrates on the relationship between class and power. Bourdieu (1984) says that some knowledge is necessary to understand and enjoy the elegant culture like drama art. He also said that pop culture is for the public, which mainly includes the general situation of life. Williams (2002) also stated that the industry in popular culture work is preferred by most people, which means popular culture is normal.

Although high culture may be considered superior to popular culture, the label of high culture and popular culture changes with time and place. Shakespeare's plays are considered popular culture at the time of writing and are now part of the elegant culture of our society. After 500 years from now, will our descendants relate Breaking Bad to cultural elite? There are thousands of subcultures in America. Ethnic groups and racial groups share the language, food, and customs of their heritage. Other subcultures are united by sharing experiences. Cycling culture mainly develops dedication to motorcycles. Some subcultures consist of members with characteristics or preferences different from the population of the majority of society. The body grooming community includes an aesthetic addition to the human body, such as tattoos, perforations, and some form of plastic surgery. In the United States, young people often form a secondary culture to form a common youth identity.

Sociologists are aware of the high culture and popular culture in society. Society is also composed of many subculture groups - smaller groups have a common identity. Counter culture rejects mainstream values ​​and creates unique cultural rules and norms. Through invention and discovery, culture develops through new ideas and new ways of thinking. In many contemporary cultures, the foundation of innovation is technology and its rapid growth may lead to culture delay. Technology also contributes to the spread of material and intangible culture of globalization.