Sociology of the Arts. Victoria D. Alexander

Sociology of the Arts - Victoria D. Alexander


Скачать книгу

      The accuracy of the shaping metaphor, as with the reflection idea, is undermined by two facts: art is not monolithic and the audience is not homogenous. These two statements alone remind us that there can be no simple, unproblematic mechanism by which art shapes society. There are, in addition, three main criticisms of the shaping approach. First, there are serious methodological problems in trying to measure the effects of the arts on society. Second, not only are audiences multifaceted, they are made up of thinking human beings, not drugged automatons. Third, the cultural critique is seen by some to be itself a product of elitism.

       Methodological Issues

       Audiences

      In contrast to this is the idea of the “active audience” where adults who consume culture are seen as competent: able to make decisions for themselves, to distinguish truth from fiction, and to interpret cultural objects (see Chapter 9). Indeed, some authors suggest that children are also active, competent consumers of the popular arts (e.g. Hodge and Tripp, 1994). In addition, not only are audience members competent individuals, they are also embedded in social structure. Thus, their reactions to the popular arts are mediated by those around them. Children, for instance, may learn to fight out disagreements from television, but when they apply that lesson to life, by hitting a friend or sibling, their parents, teachers or others are likely to sort them out quickly.

       Elitism

      Others point out that the cultural critiques of the past are forgotten, and so, in the future, will today’s concerns. In the 1930s, for instance, parents worried about the ill effects of children reading too many novels (Starr, 2004). Today, parents worry about too much screen time, while reading books is seen not only as unharmful, but as positively beneficial.

      Case Study 3.1 Violence in Popular Arts

      Points for Discussion

      1 What are the arguments in the case supporting the idea that violent media causes violence in society? What are the arguments against it? What factors beyond popular arts consumption might contribute to violence in society?

      2 Why are children given special consideration when it comes to media violence?

      3 In your opinion, is there more to be concerned with when it comes to violence on television (broadcast or Internet TV), in movies (in cinemas or streamed), or in popular music lyrics and music videos?

      4 Do you think violence in popular arts causes violence in society? On what do you base your conclusions? What should be done about media violence?

      Case

      A classic, often‐cited study of the effects of televised violence was reported by the psychologists Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1963). In a


Скачать книгу