Culture and Power: Shaping Society and Media Influence
Culture in Social Anthropology
In social anthropology, culture refers to the acquired knowledge about humanity. It is knowledge about humanity that is learned or acquired, not natural. It includes all aspects of human activity, from everyday behavior to the development of technology. Culture is acquired; it is something we are not born with but something we are born into. It is something we learn by being a member of society through the process of socialization. As it happens in a group, it is also a social heritage that is transmitted to other members of a society. When an individual is born into society, the social symbols of their culture are passed on to them. It satisfies the needs of its individuals, such as the need for love and security, through the institutions of family and marriage, which help people have a stable and well-lived life. Culture is symbolic; it includes the capacity to communicate through symbols, which represent the material world (e.g., dress, food) and the non-material world (e.g., values, beliefs). It also has the ability to innovate and create.
The Relationship Between Culture and Power
The relationship between culture and power is significant. Culture is shaped by the powerful forces operating in society, as it is a product of social interactions. Societies are organized politically and economically, which affects the formation of social structures. The interests of dominant groups in society have an impact on cultures. One way is through the construction of traditions and their dissemination among the population. Another perspective suggests that the dominant group uses mass culture to manipulate subordinate groups, as proposed by the propaganda theory. Regardless of the view taken, culture is always intertwined with politics and power relations.
The negotiation and resistance of “culture as power” stem from the diverse interests within society. There are four main areas of struggle and negotiation in cultural studies: gender, race, class, and age. Gender definitions and relations are not fixed but are influenced by power struggles. These struggles and resistance from subordinated groups often unsettle the dominant ones, as they pose a threat to their control and domination.
Culture’s Influence on Individuals
Culture, in the field of social anthropology, encompasses a vast body of knowledge about humanity. This knowledge is acquired and learned, not innate, and covers all aspects of human activity, ranging from everyday behaviors to technological advancements. Culture is not something we are born with, but rather something we become a part of as members of society through the process of socialization. It is a social heritage that is passed down to other members of society. When individuals are born into a particular society, they inherit the social symbols and customs of their culture.
Culture satisfies the fundamental needs of individuals, such as the need for love and security, through institutions like family and marriage that contribute to stable and fulfilling lives. One crucial aspect of culture is its symbolic nature. It enables communication through symbols that represent both the material and non-material aspects of the world. Material elements include items such as clothing and food, while non-material aspects encompass values and beliefs. Through these symbols, individuals can convey meaning and navigate their social environment. Additionally, culture possesses the remarkable ability to innovate and create. It is through cultural innovation that societies develop new ideas, technologies, and artistic expressions, continually evolving and adapting to changing circumstances.
Understanding the Diversity of Human Societies
In conclusion, culture in social anthropology refers to the acquired knowledge about humanity that encompasses various aspects of human activity. It is not innate but learned through socialization as individuals become members of society. Culture satisfies fundamental human needs and is transmitted through social symbols. It is both symbolic and innovative, enabling communication and fostering the creation of new ideas and expressions. Understanding culture is essential for comprehending the diversity and complexity of human societies and their ongoing development.
Media’s Impact on Culture and Society
The mass media provides us with a subjective representation of the world, rather than an objective view. It presents a selected perspective, influenced by human biases and viewpoints. This lack of unbiased representation is particularly evident when it comes to race and ethnicity. The mass media often perpetuates stereotypes by portraying ethnic or racial groups as fundamentally different. Gender representation in the mass media also reflects biases. Women are frequently objectified and confined to traditional roles as wives, mothers, or sexual objects. Although there are instances of women taking active roles in the media, objectification remains prevalent. In contrast, men enjoy a wider range of representations and are less likely to be objectified.
Celebrity culture, closely tied to the mass media, has undergone significant changes. The rise of celebrities is largely influenced by media representation rather than actual achievements. This media-created celebrity status can be short-lived, with fame quickly fading and potentially transforming into public revulsion. In summary, the mass media’s portrayal of culture is subjective and influenced by biases. Race, ethnicity, gender, and celebrity are areas where media influence shapes our perceptions. Recognizing these limitations is crucial for developing a critical understanding of the mass media.
Media Representation: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
The media has a powerful influence on how we see race, ethnicity, and gender. However, it often fails to show an accurate and fair picture. When it comes to race and ethnicity, the media often relies on stereotypes and simplifies things into “black” and “white,” ignoring the true diversity and complexities of different backgrounds.
Stereotypes still exist in how the media portrays people of different races and ethnicities, although they may be more subtle now. Non-white individuals are sometimes shown as different or dangerous, reinforcing negative views. It is important to note that the media is mostly controlled by white people, which can lead to biased and racist ideas being promoted, even unintentionally. Even when black celebrities are highlighted, they can still face unfair judgment and be seen as deviant, showing the limitations of representation.
Gender representation in the media is also problematic. Women are often objectified and limited to traditional roles, while men have more diverse portrayals. This inequality in how genders are shown reflects narrow perspectives and unequal treatment.
Promoting Diversity in Media
Recognizing these issues is crucial for understanding how the media shapes our society. By pushing for more diverse and authentic representations, we can create a media landscape that truly reflects the complexity and diversity of our world.