12 Cultural Studies DICTIONARY
1. Ideology
Section titled “1. Ideology”Ideology is a set of beliefs or values that shape how groups see the world. It influences culture, politics, and identity.
Example: The idea that hard work guarantees success.
2. Representation
Section titled “2. Representation”Representation is how people, events, or ideas are shown in media. It shapes public perception.
Example: Movies showing engineers as socially awkward.
3. Cultural Narrative
Section titled “3. Cultural Narrative”A cultural narrative is a shared story that defines how a society understands itself. It influences beliefs and traditions.
Example: The narrative that education leads to respect.
4. Identity Politics
Section titled “4. Identity Politics”Identity politics involves political positions based on shared characteristics like gender or community. It influences social movements.
Example: Groups advocating for fair workplace rights.
5. Discourse
Section titled “5. Discourse”Discourse is a structured way of talking about topics that shapes understanding. It shows power and influence.
Example: Media discussions on AI safety.
6. Hegemony
Section titled “6. Hegemony”Hegemony is when one group’s beliefs dominate society. It shapes trends and norms.
Example: English becoming the global language of business.
7. Cultural Capital
Section titled “7. Cultural Capital”Cultural capital includes knowledge, skills, and behaviors that give social advantage. It often influences career success.
Example: Knowing how to communicate confidently in interviews.
8. Subculture
Section titled “8. Subculture”A subculture is a smaller group with unique values within a larger culture. It has distinct fashion, music, or behavior.
Example: Gamers forming their own slang and habits.
9. Global Culture
Section titled “9. Global Culture”Global culture emerges when ideas and products spread worldwide. It mixes influences from many societies.
Example: K pop being popular everywhere.
10. Media Literacy
Section titled “10. Media Literacy”Media literacy is the ability to analyze and understand media messages. It protects from misinformation.
Example: Checking if a viral video is edited.
11. Consumerism
Section titled “11. Consumerism”Consumerism promotes buying goods as a path to happiness. It shapes lifestyle choices.
Example: Feeling pressure to buy the latest phone.
12. Cultural Appropriation
Section titled “12. Cultural Appropriation”Cultural appropriation is using elements of another culture without understanding or respect. It can cause conflict.
Example: Wearing sacred symbols as fashion.
13. Power Dynamics
Section titled “13. Power Dynamics”Power dynamics show how control, influence, and authority work within relationships or groups. They affect decision making.
Example: A boss having more influence in discussions.
14. Popular Culture
Section titled “14. Popular Culture”Popular culture includes mainstream entertainment like movies, music, and social media trends. It spreads quickly and widely.
Example: Viral dances on Instagram.
15. Social Construct
Section titled “15. Social Construct”A social construct is something that exists because society agrees on it. It shapes expectations and behavior.
Example: Money having value only because people accept it.
16. Cultural Hybridization
Section titled “16. Cultural Hybridization”Hybridization mixes elements from different cultures to create new forms. It reflects global influence.
Example: Fusion food combining Indian and Italian flavors.
17. Identity Formation
Section titled “17. Identity Formation”Identity formation is the process of building personal or group identity through culture and experiences.
Example: Someone becomes more confident after joining a creative community.
18. Rituals
Section titled “18. Rituals”Rituals are repeated cultural practices that hold symbolic meaning. They strengthen belonging and tradition.
Example: Lighting lamps during Diwali.
19. Social Norms
Section titled “19. Social Norms”Social norms are shared expectations about how people should behave. They guide everyday actions.
Example: Removing shoes before entering a home.
20. Intercultural Communication
Section titled “20. Intercultural Communication”This studies how people from different cultures communicate. It improves understanding and reduces conflict.
Example: Adjusting tone while speaking with someone from another country.
21. Cultural Identity
Section titled “21. Cultural Identity”Cultural identity comes from belonging to a group with shared values, language, and traditions.
Example: Feeling proud of Marathi heritage.
22. Dominant Culture
Section titled “22. Dominant Culture”Dominant culture is the most influential culture in a society. It shapes norms and rules.
Example: Western fashion being widely adopted.
23. High Culture
Section titled “23. High Culture”High culture includes classical arts, literature, and fine arts associated with educated or elite groups.
Example: Opera performances.
24. Low Culture
Section titled “24. Low Culture”Low culture refers to everyday entertainment like TV shows and memes. It reflects mass trends.
Example: Comedy reels on social media.
25. Cultural Hegemony
Section titled “25. Cultural Hegemony”Cultural hegemony is the control of society through cultural influence rather than force. It shapes attitudes subtly.
Example: Advertising shaping ideas of success.