Toward a new critical theory of Popular Culture

Matthew M T Chew

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference paperpeer-review

    Abstract

    This is a theoretical paper that tackles the sociological problematic of how popular culture generates sociopolitical impacts. Three sets of solutions were offered. The first is the mass culture theory of the Frankfurt School. As the ‘old critical theory of popular culture,’ it negatively views popular culture as ideology and a part of the superstructure of capitalist society. The second is the cultural studies tradition; it emphasizes that audience agency and multifarious reception contexts help disrupt ideology and facilitate social change. The third is the dozens of recently established bodies of scholarships that rethink the problematic without relying on mass culture theory or cultural studies. They include for example narrative sociology, aesthetic public sphere, sociology of storytelling, affective publics, interactional ritual theory, and carnival theory. I articulate and systematize insights from these various new bodies of scholarship with relational sociology, practice theory, and studies of emotions and affect.
    Original languageEnglish
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2019
    EventHong Kong Sociological Association 21st Annual Conference - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
    Duration: 30 Nov 2019 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceHong Kong Sociological Association 21st Annual Conference
    Country/TerritoryHong Kong
    Period30/11/19 → …

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