In social studies, the concept of culture is often broken down into several distinct types to better understand the various ways human societies express themselves and organize. Based on common sociological frameworks and the provided reference, the different concepts of culture include high culture, low culture, subculture, counter culture, folk culture, mass culture, popular culture, and global culture.
These categories help researchers and students analyze the diverse expressions, practices, and values that characterize groups and societies. Understanding these types provides insight into social stratification, identity formation, and the dynamics of cultural change.
Exploring the Types of Culture
Here's a closer look at some of the key types of culture studied in social sciences:
| Type of Culture | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| High Culture | Refers to cultural patterns that distinguish a society's elite. Often associated with the arts and intellectual pursuits considered to have high value or prestige. | Opera, classical music, fine art, haute couture. |
| Low Culture | Historically used to describe cultural patterns widespread among a society's population, often viewed pejorably or in contrast to "high culture." This term is less used today due to its negative connotations and is often replaced or overlapped with "popular culture" or "mass culture." | Historically, local entertainment or common folk practices. Modern social studies often avoid this term. |
| Subculture | Cultural patterns that set apart a segment of a society's population. Groups within the larger culture that have their own distinct norms, values, and practices. | Goths, hip-hop community, specific sports fans, ethnic enclaves. |
| Counter Culture | Cultural patterns that strongly oppose those widely accepted within a society. Often challenge mainstream values and norms. | 1960s hippie movement, some environmental activist groups. |
| Folk Culture | Traditionally associated with small, homogeneous, rural groups living in relative isolation. Practices are often transmitted orally and maintain strong ties to community traditions and history. | Traditional crafts, folk music, regional festivals, specific cooking methods passed down through generations. |
| Mass Culture | Refers to cultural products and activities produced for and consumed by a large number of people, often disseminated through mass media. Can be seen as a product of industrialization and urbanization. | Blockbuster movies, nationwide fast-food chains, popular television shows aimed at a broad audience. |
| Popular Culture | Cultural patterns that are widespread among a society's population. Often used interchangeably with "mass culture," but can also refer to cultural phenomena that gain broad acceptance and participation. | Trends in fashion, popular music genres (like pop, rock), social media trends, widely followed sports leagues. |
| Global Culture | Refers to the increasing interconnectedness of cultures worldwide, facilitated by technology, communication, travel, and economic flows. Leads to the sharing and blending of cultural elements across national borders. | The spread of multinational corporations (e.g., fast food), global media networks, international music festivals, the adoption of global fashion trends. |
Understanding these different types helps social scientists analyze how culture shapes social structures, influences individual behavior, and changes over time. For instance, studying the rise of popular culture helps us understand media influence, while examining counter cultures provides insight into social dissent and change. Subcultures highlight diversity within larger societies, and global culture reflects the complex interactions of people and ideas worldwide in the modern era.
