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Culture Asssignmemntdedicated Followers Of Fashion The Influence Of P culture asssignmemnt Dedicated Followers of Fashion? The Influence of Popular Culture on Children's Social Identities by Sharon Boden 1. The article discusses how popular culture affects tweens in the UK. Is popular culture more or less salient on the identities and purchases of tweens in the US? Why? 2. Can you think of examples of cultural norms being affected by popular culture? 3. How do social status markers, like clothing style or brand, influence peer relations? Is there a difference in the status markers that influence peer relations as we age? What markers are important as children? As tweens? As young adults? As adults? 4. Is the idolization of cultural icons a good or a bad thing? When should we encourage this behavior? When should we discourage it? What social problems could it potentially create? Start your own thread by answering the questions posed above in a thoughtful essay. In addition, you must respond to at least 3 other student threads. Think before you run off at the fingers. Suggestion, type your response in a word processor: proof-read and spell check.
Paper For Above instruction
The influence of popular culture on social identities, especially among children and adolescents, is a complex phenomenon that varies across different cultural contexts such as the UK and the US. Sharon Boden's article highlights how popular culture significantly shapes the social identities of tweens in the UK, influencing their clothing choices, interests, and social behaviors. When comparing this to the US, the salience of popular culture might be even more pronounced due to the pervasive media landscape and consumer culture that characterizes American society. In the US, media saturation through television, social media, and advertising underscores the importance of popular culture in shaping youth identities and purchasing decisions (Arnett, 2015). Consequently, for American tweens, popular culture arguably plays a more central role in defining peer groups and consumer preferences than in the UK, although regional differences and subcultures also influence these dynamics.
Cultural norms are often influenced by popular culture, leading to shifts in behaviors and attitudes. Examples include the adoption of slang words popularized by celebrities or social media trends, which can influence language and social interactions within peer groups (McCracken, 2020). For instance, the widespread use of slang terms like "squad" or "LOL" originated from media and online platforms, becoming embedded in everyday communication. Similarly, fashion trends driven by celebrities or viral videos can alter perceptions of appropriate dress and social conduct within various age groups.
Social status markers such as clothing styles, brand names, and accessories play a crucial role in peer relations. These markers often serve as signals of social belonging, economic status, and personal identity. As children, status markers might include popular cartoon character shirts or sneakers linked to well-known brands like Nike or Adidas. As tweens, peer acceptance increasingly revolves around trendy clothing, brand recognition, and digital influencers (Holland et al., 2005). For young adults and adults, social markers evolve into more sophisticated indicators such as luxury brand consumption, social media personas, and lifestyle choices. The importance of these markers varies with age; what signifies status in childhood—cartoons or simple branded clothing—gives way to more nuanced symbols like car ownership or social capital in adulthood.
The idolization of cultural icons can have both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, idolization can motivate young people to pursue goals and develop aspirations, fostering a sense of community when shared collectively (Rothschild & Feldman, 2019). However, excessive idolization, especially when celebrities promote unrealistic body images or materialistic values, can lead to social problems such as low self-esteem, consumerism, and mental health issues. For example, the celebrity obsession that fuels social media culture has been linked with anxiety and depression among adolescents (Twenge, 2017). Discouraging blind idolization involves fostering critical thinking about media messages and promoting diverse representations of success and beauty.
Ultimately, society must strike a balance—encouraging admiration for cultural icons while promoting healthy skepticism and values that prioritize authenticity, diversity, and well-being. Recognizing the influence of popular culture on social identity allows educators, parents, and policymakers to guide youth toward healthier perceptions and social interactions, minimizing the potential harmful effects while maximizing positive inspiration.
References
Arnett, J. J. (2015). Adolescents and the influence of media. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 44(4), 774–788.
Holland, D., et al. (2005). Youth and culture: The politics and power of social norms. New York: Routledge.
McCracken, G. (2020). Culture and consumer behavior. Sage Publications.
Rothschild, J., & Feldman, M. (2019). The role of celebrity influence in shaping social values. Media, Culture & Society, 41(2), 255-271.
Twenge, J. M. (2017). IGen: Why today's super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy—and completely unprepared for adulthood—and what that means for the rest of us. Simon & Schuster.