Theoretical Analysis of Culture

1. Theoretical Analysis of Culture

2. Theoretical Analysis of Culture • Functionalists - Culture is important for the overall maintenance and operation of society. It operates as an integrated system to meet human needs. • The stability of a cultural system is that core values anchor its way of life. These core values shape everyday activities and bind members of society together.

3. Functionalism cont’d • Functionalists emphasize cultural stability. • They downplay extent to which societies change. • They overlook the fact of cultural diversity and that not all embrace the prevailing culture of their society. • They speak of ‘cultural universals’ - traits that are part of every known culture (family, jokes, funeral rites)

4. Conflict Analysis of Culture • Conflict theory highlights links between culture and inequality, showing how cultural traits benefit some at the expense of others. • Conflict theory questions why certain values dominate in society, and examine why some members create their own alternatives (eg. counter cultures) Marley’s views on Herb smoking

5. Conflict Theory cont’d • Culture could serve as a mechanism for urging people to uncritically accept the existing social order • Theory reveals that cultural systems address human needs unequally • Key function of cultural elements is to maintain the dominance of some people over others • Theory stresses the divisiveness of culture

6. Marxist Oriented Conflict Theory • Asserts that values reflect a society’s system of economic production • Marx posited that man’s social experience determines his/her existence • Theodor Adorno suggested that ‘mass culture’ of popular music and film weakened critical consciousness and manipulated the working classes

7. Arguments Against Adorno’s View • In the Caribbean, the emergence of music forms like reggae and calypso were reactionary and seen as forms of resistance to the prevailing status quo. • They sought to make the masses aware of injustice, providing social commentary and engaging in social, economic and political issues.