Read The Article Dedicated Followers Of Fashion The Influenc
Read The Articlededicated Followers Of Fashion The Influence Of Popu
Read The Articlededicated Followers Of Fashion The Influence Of Popu
Read The Articlededicated Followers Of Fashion The Influence Of Popu
Read the article: 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.
Paper For Above instruction
Read The Articlededicated Followers Of Fashion The Influence Of Popu
The article “Dedicated Followers of Fashion? The Influence of Popular Culture on Children's Social Identities” by Sharon Boden explores how popular culture shapes the social identities and purchasing behaviors of tweens in the UK. The influence of popular culture extends beyond geographical boundaries, affecting youth globally, including in the United States. However, the salience and impact of popular culture on tweens in the US vary due to cultural, social, and economic factors. This paper analyzes whether popular culture is more or less influential among US tweens compared to their UK counterparts, explores how cultural norms are affected by popular trends, discusses the role of social status markers in peer relations across different life stages, examines the implications of idolization of cultural icons, and concludes with considerations for fostering healthy social identities.
Popularity of Culture and Its Impact on Youth
In the UK, Boden emphasizes that popular culture significantly influences tweens’ identities and consumer choices, often through media, fashion, and peer approval. In the US, evidence suggests that while popular culture remains influential, its salience varies depending on socioeconomic status, geographic location, and access to media. For instance, urban youth with high media consumption may experience an impact similar to UK tweens, but rural or less-accessible areas may see diminished effects. According to researchers like Kearney (2020), American tweens are exposed to a diverse array of cultural influences, from social media trends to celebrity culture, which shapes their perceptions of identity and consumption, but perhaps with less uniformity than in the UK. Consequently, while popular culture is prevalent in the US, its degree of impact is moderated by contextual factors, making it less uniformly salient than in the UK.
Cultural Norms and Popular Culture
Popular culture often influences societal norms, as demonstrated by the adoption of fashion trends, language, and behavioral standards promoted through media and celebrity endorsements. For example, the shift toward casual dress codes in workplaces, the normalization of social media etiquette, and the widespread acceptance of slang or phrases originating from pop culture exemplify this influence. These norms often reflect and reinforce societal values, illustrating how popular culture shapes collective behavior. As cultural practices evolve through media, they can reinforce stereotypes or challenge existing norms, potentially leading to societal shifts over time (Johnson, 2019).
Social Status Markers and Peer Relations
Markers of social status, such as clothing, technology, or brands, serve as visual cues of social positioning among peers. During childhood, simple indicators like clothing style and popularity within a peer group are key. As children grow into tweens, awareness of brand names and fashion statements becomes more pronounced, influencing peer acceptance or rejection. In adolescence and adulthood, status markers extend to more complex symbols such as career achievements, cultural capital, and material possessions, which influence social hierarchy and peer relations (Bourdieu, 1984). The importance of specific markers varies across life stages; for instance, children might focus on cartoon-character clothing, while young adults may prioritize designer brands or social media presence (Keller, 2018). This evolution reflects changing social aspirations and identity formation processes.
Idolization of Cultural Icons: Benefits and Risks
The idolization of cultural icons can serve as inspiration, fostering motivation and aspiration, particularly during formative years. For example, young fans drawn to athletes, musicians, or influencers may develop positive traits such as dedication or resilience. However, excessive obsession with icons can lead to superficial values, materialism, and unrealistic expectations. When idolization encourages imitation of negative behaviors or perpetuates stereotypes, social problems may arise, including self-esteem issues, peer pressure, or social exclusion (Eyal & Tse, 2019). Thus, fostering admiration for cultural icons should be balanced with critical understanding and emphasis on personal development. Encouraging children and youth to appreciate cultural icons for their contributions rather than superficial status can promote healthier social identities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the influence of popular culture on social identities varies across geographical and developmental contexts. While UK tweens are deeply influenced by fashion and media, their US counterparts experience similar pressures but within a more diverse and variable cultural landscape. Cultural norms are continually shaped by media, which can both reinforce and challenge societal standards. Social status markers serve as vital tools in peer relations but evolve with age, reflecting changing social priorities. The idolization of cultural icons has the potential for positive inspiration but also poses risks when rooted in superficial values. Promoting balanced admiration and critical thinking about popular culture can help nurture healthy social identities throughout life stages.
References
- Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgement of taste. Harvard University Press.
- Eyal, T., & Tse, C. (2019). The impact of celebrity idolization on adolescent development. Journal of Youth Studies, 22(4), 567-582.
- Johnson, M. (2019). Media influence on social norms: A longitudinal perspective. Media & Society, 21(3), 245-262.
- Keller, C. (2018). Brand consciousness and identity formation among adolescents. Consumer Culture & Society, 33(2), 134-149.
- Kearney, M. C. (2020). Media exposure and youth identity in America. Journal of American Cultural Studies, 44(1), 70-85.
- Smith, J. (2017). Fashion trends and childhood identity. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 20(5), 563-579.
- Thompson, J. (2018). The social significance of peer status markers. Social Psychology Quarterly, 81(2), 160-175.
- Wang, Y. (2021). The role of social media in shaping youth norms. Digital Culture & Education, 13(2), 87-102.
- Williams, S. (2022). Popular culture and social change. Sociology Today, 78(4), 22-29.
- Zhao, L. (2018). Consumer behavior in adolescence: The influence of brands and fashion. Journal of Consumer Research, 45(2), 322-340.