50 Questions
What term refers to a particular cultural image or phenomenon expressed by the process of signification?
Myth
According to K.Barancovaitė-Skindaravičienė, what factor is critiqued for its lack in the theory of language?
Social factor
In F.de Saussure's relational theory of language, how is meaning produced?
By establishing differences in relation to other objects
What is the primary function of a myth, as described by R.Barthes?
Promote the values and interests of dominant groups
According to K.Barancovaitė-Skindaravičienė, what does the language NOT simply do to reality?
Reflect it
What is the term that refers to the message conveyed by a certain discourse?
Connotation
"Meaning can be made horizontally and vertically" refers to which two axes as per F.de Saussure?
Syntagmatic and Paradigmatic axes
"Myths and counter myths" provide a double function according to R.Barthes. What is this double function?
Deriving from cultural knowledge and imposing on us
According to mass society theory, what was seen as a disruptive consequence of industrialization and urbanization?
The destruction of village communities
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of mass culture, according to mass society theory?
Intellectually challenging
How did mass society theory perceive the relationship between folk culture and mass culture?
Folk culture was seen as authentic and autonomous, while mass culture was seen as mass-produced and promoting false needs and desires.
According to mass society theory, what was the impact of mass culture on values?
It was seen as destroying values
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic attributed to mass culture by mass society theory?
Promoting critical thinking
According to mass society theory, what was the perception of the masses regarding taste?
The masses were seen as lacking taste
How did mass society theory characterize the relationship between the past and the present/future?
It drew a division between the past and the present/future
According to mass society theory, what was the impact of mass culture on moral integration?
It led to the absence of moral integration
What is the primary function of the culture industry?
To create and satisfy false needs in order to sustain capitalism
Which of the following is NOT listed as an example of a false need created by the culture industry?
Self-actualization
How are cultural products characterized?
They are both standardized and individualized at the same time
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the culture industry and the masses, according to the text?
The culture industry is imposed upon the masses, but they welcome it without realizing it
What is the primary purpose of the culture industry's creation of false needs?
To promote consumerism and generate profits
What is the relationship between exchange value and use value, as discussed in the text?
The text does not explicitly discuss exchange value and use value
What is the role of semiology in understanding the culture industry?
Semiology provides a framework for analyzing the systems of signification used by the culture industry
Which of the following statements best represents the text's portrayal of consumer freedom in the culture industry?
Consumers have limited freedom of choice, as their choices are influenced by the culture industry
What should a researcher attempt to look for regarding myths created by popular culture?
Their historical and sociocultural background
What is the example of semiotic analysis mentioned in the text?
Valentine's Day in Japan (Y.Minowa,O.Khomenko, R.W.Belk 2011)
What is the periodization of Valentine's Day in Japan?
1958-1969; 1970-1979; 1980-1991; 1992-2002
What is the development of gender image in Valentine's Day-related advertisements in Japan?
From masculine domination to feminine empowerment
Based on the images mentioned in the text, what signifiers of modern femininity can be observed?
Assertiveness and independence
What signifiers of modern masculinity can be observed in the images?
Commodification and objectification
What does the term 'tomo-choko' refer to in the context of Valentine's Day in Japan?
Gifts given by women to their female friends
What does the term 'gyaku-choko' refer to in the context of Valentine's Day in Japan?
Gifts given by men to their romantic partners
What is the central concept of structuralism as described in the text?
Cultural products are dependent on the structure of binary oppositions
What is the purpose of the Kishootenketsu storytelling structure in Asian narratives?
To provide a comprehensive narrative structure with introduction, development, twist, and conclusion
Based on the information provided, what is a common element in role-playing games (RPGs)?
Objective-based gameplay
What is the significance of the quote about the daughters of Itoya in Osaka?
It contrasts the daughters' physical appearance with their lethal capabilities
What can be inferred about the popularity of certain game genres in Japan based on the information provided?
No information is provided about the popularity of specific game genres in Japan
What is the significance of the video clips mentioned in the text?
They are used to analyze the narrative structure of Asian storytelling
Based on the information provided, what is a common characteristic of cultural products according to structuralism?
They follow a repetitive and habitual scheme
What is the purpose of including multiple media examples (K-pop music videos, TV shows) in the text?
To provide context for the discussion of structuralism and narrative structures
What is the key element of the Kishootenketsu storytelling structure?
Shoo - development
Which factor is NOT cited as influencing the popularity of cultural products based on structuralism?
Innovative marketing strategies
What elements are typically present in Role-playing games (RPGs)?
Quests, Skills, Leveling Up, Inventory Management
What distinguishes the daughters of Itoya in Osaka according to the provided text?
They possess a unique ability to kill with their eyes.
Which of the following is NOT an essential element in the structuralism Systems of culture based on the structure of oppositions?
Themes aimed at intellectual audiences
What is a common characteristic of mass culture identified by mass society theory?
Standardization and homogenization
What is NOT typically a characteristic of protagonists in Role-playing games (RPGs)?
'Evil for the sake of evil' motivations
According to structuralism, what role does the audience's childishness play in the popularity of cultural products?
It caters to simplistic storylines and themes.
What distinguishes the storytelling structure Kishootenketsu from Western narrative structures?
Kishootenketsu lacks traditional conflict elements.
How do culturally specific contexts influence the popularity of cultural products according to structuralism?
They provide a unique appeal based on familiarity and relevance.
Study Notes
Language and Culture
- Langue and parole: system/structure of language and practical language culture as a system
- Signifier and signified = a sign
- Denotation: literal meaning of a sign
- Connotation: cultural or emotional association of a sign
- Myth: a set of ideas and practices that promotes the values and interests of dominant groups in society
Semiology
- The science of signs: systems of signification, means by which human beings communicate by signals
- F. de Saussure's relational theory of language:
- Meaning is produced by establishing difference in relation to other objects
- Meaning can be made horizontally (syntagmatic axis) and vertically (paradigmatic axis)
- Substitution of elements
- Language does not simply reflect reality, but shapes what constitutes reality
Cultural Myths
- R. Barthes: myth is a set of ideas and practices that promotes the values and interests of dominant groups in society
- Originates at the secondary signification level (connotation)
- Primary signification: signifier and denotation
- Secondary signification: signifier and connotation
- Signified: message of a certain discourse
Mass Society Theory
- Originated in the 19th century
- Disruptive consequences of industrialization and urbanization:
- Destruction of village communities
- Decline of religion
- Absence of moral integration
- Atomization of people
- Mass society as 'atomized' society and mass culture as source of ineffective morality
Culture Industry
- Mass culture:
- Standardized
- Superficial
- An easy escapism
- Discourages thinking and intellectual challenge
- Democratic
- Destroying values
- False needs:
- Social status
- Entertainment
- Emotion
- Competition
- Recognition and rewards
- Coolness
- False needs and false solutions:
- Consumerism and popular culture as creators and satisfactors of false needs
- Conceal true needs
- The notion of freedom in culture industry:
- Are consumers of popular culture free in their choices?
Structuralism
- Systems of culture based on the structure of oppositions
- The popularity of cultural products depends on certain structure of oppositions:
- Repetition of a habitual scheme
- Universal themes
- Ideologies determined by the demands of mass culture
- Childishness of audience
- Historically specific contexts
Japanese Popular Culture
- Kishootenketsu storytelling structure in Asia:
- Ki- introduction
- Sho- development
- Ten- twist
- Ketsu- conclusion
- The most popular PC/console game genres in Japan in 2023:
- RPG (Role-playing games)
- Elements of RPG:
- Antagonists
- Protagonist
- Objective
- Helpers
Explore key theories in popular culture studies including Mass Society Theory, The Frankfurt School, Commodity Fetishism, and Semiology. Dive into the concepts of structuralism and the works of K.Barancovaitė-Skindaravičienė. Understand the origins, disruptive consequences, and societal implications associated with mass society theory.
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