For my personal interest, I'd like to focus on the older definition of culture, in relation to art and literature. These two artistic endeavors are the fundamental examples of social characteristics. Through art and literature we are able to see the behaviors and beliefs of society at a certain moment in time. They are prime examples of what our ancestors were thinking about and experiencing when they were alive. In essence, I define culture as our history. Culture and history are connected within the practice of art and literature and how both have social connections to society. As a result, culture is what creates our identity. Without culture, we would not be able to identify ourselves as we see it today. By using these "artistic endeavors," we are able to see our culture from the past and create our identity in present time.
From the discussion in class it was asked;
Who or what is being served by a particular construct? Who wins out by it?
I believe that in terms of above/below, the above is certainly constantly served by this particular construct. Though it may appear that the below has been able to be dominating this structure today, compared to 40 or 50 years ago, the above has always been "winning out." For example, popular artists in music today that began in the lower, below class of society appear to be dominating the music charts compared to maybe classical or country artists who are usually in the "above." However, ultimately the above is always in control in that these people decide who they want from the below to move up and fundamentally deciding the faith of the below. It is this popular "hierarchical" culture, which was first stated by French sociologist, Pierre Bourdieu, that has been the same for many years.
A humorous look at a hierarchical society.
Rivkin, Julie, and Michael Ryan eds. Literary Theory: An Anthology. Molden: Blackwell, 1998.
