lesson 1

Question 1

origins of reflection approach

Answer 1

• Marxism hold that culture and ideology are a reflection of society’s economic relations

Question 2

• Theodor W. Adorno

Answer 2

• Adorno argues, in line with Marx’s theory, that under conditions of industrial capitalism, works are exploited and that the mass culture is as meaningless as the working conditions of the mass
• The assumption the mass culture to distract people of reality and keep them from being rebellious

Question 3

Criticism of this simple reflection approach:

Answer 3

• Art does not imply mirror reality, its reflects norms power relations, fantasies myths, zeitgeist
• Who is being reflected: entire society, specific group, elites, subcultures…
• How does reflection happen : artists having their finger on the pulse or simply effect of arts popularity
• Possibility of multiple interpretations
• Gap between art and society+ another layer in between: art world, market publisher, film, studios, etc.
• Distorted/fragmented/fictious image of society

Question 4

Shaping approaches

Answer 4

• They assume that art affects people and society in some way
• Often the hegemonic narrative is that: Popular culture = harmful, High culture= positive

Question 5

• Hegemony is

Answer 5

universal acceptance of norms, values, ideas that are created and distributed by elites(through cultural products)

• Elites support/make art supports their hegemonic position

Question 6

• Frankfurt school ( Adorno, Horkheimer, Marcuse)

Answer 6

• Mass culture shapes and controls the worker.
• In promotes seasy to sell standardization and predictability, avoidance of effort, immediate satisfaction
• People loose ability to think critically , capitalism, exploitation and totalitarianism requers numb mins
• Risk for critical thinking, creates felse needs that distract from real needs

Question 7

• Metthew Arnold :

Answer 7

• For him culture is ,, the best that has been said and thought in the world ,, culture of the upper class
• HE says culture brings ,,civilization,,
• Culture serves mainly to keep the working class in check