Pop Culture Effects on Societies, Beliefs and Expectations, Research Proposal Example

Abstract

In recent years, more people have become aware of popular culture (pop culture) in society. This is due, in part, to the significant increase in communication channels that people are exposed to everyday, especially the Internet. This is specifically true with the rise in popularity of social networking. Websites like Twitter, Facebook and Youtube have made it possible for popular ideas, trends and behaviors to go viral and spread into mainstream society. This influences how people behave, what they believe in, and their expectations of what is acceptable or not acceptable in society. This paper takes a look at how pop culture has evolved, over the decades, into what it is today. The goal of this research is to define pop culture and evaluate its influence in today’s technological world and how it affects societies as it relates to the popular beliefs and expectations of people within the societies.

Introduction

The modern world is a manifestation of various dreams, ideas, inventions, collaborations and behaviors of the last few decades. Advances in the world, such as the Internet and other technological advances, has made it possible for people to connect with each other, and interact with the world in which they live, better than ever before. This, however, also opens up opportunities for people to be more exposed to what is happening in the world, which often leads to the development of popular trends and behaviors within society. This is known as pop culture.

Dictionary.com defines pop culture as “cultural activities or commercial products reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people,” and “contemporary lifestyle and items that are well known and generally accepted, cultural patterns that are widespread within a population” (Pop Culture, n.d.). With these definitions in mind, it is safe to say that pop culture has always existed. It has just evolved as media channels have evolved. This is important to note when attempting to explain the significance of pop culture and its effects on societies, beliefs and expectations of the people within the societies.

Literature Review

Batchelor, B. (2011). Digital Technology and Teaching American Culture. Journal of American Culture, 34(1), 49-55. doi:10.1111/j.1542-734X.2011.00763.x.

Batchelor (2011) reports on pop culture, as it relates to society, as involving the influence of mass media and its various channels, such as digital, and ways of exposing people to what is going on in the world. In the modern world we are living in today, the digital world is constantly increasing in size. For example, it is noted that users the worldwide web have increased about 445 percent from the year 2000 to 2010, and over two billion people around the world use the Internet. Another example of the ever-growing digital world is the exploding popularity of social media sites such as Facebook, which has more than 500 million users who spend billions of hours per month on the site. As it relates to mass media and its channels, as referenced above, the United States is seen as the global media leader, and in the modern world of today, there are many media channels to choose from such as television, movies, music, and other media formats (Batchelor, 2011).

As it relates to pop culture’s effects on societies, beliefs and expectations, Batchelor (2011) mainly focuses on how popular culture in the United States is connected to digital technology and this is something that has rapidly become a vital part of American society. This means that it affects society in various ways by influencing how people behave, imitate each other, agree with each other, oppose each other, follow each other and interact with each other as it relates to what is trending at any moment. These aspects can affect what people believe and expect when they are exposed to pop cultural trends and activities via mass media. Additionally, Batchelor (2011) points out that the rest of the world’s societies are influenced by U.S. pop culture by means of U.S. technology, such as Apple, becoming globally mainstream.

Ito, M., et. al. (2000). Living and Learning with New Media: Summary of Findings from the Digital Youth Project.

As a part of the most extensive study of media usage by youth in the United States, a research team report by from the University of California, Irvine, interviewed over 800 young adults and youth and logged over 5,000 hours of observations online (Ito, 2000). The researchers also evaluated usage of digital media results and discovered they have positive impacts on youth and society. The technology is providing new ways for our youth to develop technical skills, explore interests and new forms of self-expression, as well as providing opportunities for self-directed learning, opening portals to social worlds, and independence. Additionally, it is noted that youth becoming isolated or anti-social due to media usage and this is outweighed by the evidence that “networking” actually allows youth users to stay connected socially as well as act as participants in school, sports, religious activities, and other activities that may otherwise be off limits due to their geographical location (Ito, 2000).

The researchers of Ito (2000) also point out that, although much of today’s youth admit to learning more from their peers than adults, adults can still play an important role in education by setting learning goals and acting as role models. It is also noted that an excellent approach to education is allowing educators to approach learning and education as something more like a process, to guide youth in participating in public life, as opposed to something they have to do to get a job (Ito, 2000).

As it relates pop culture and its effects on societies, beliefs and expectations, Ito (2000) focuses on the youth of society and how they are affected in positive ways through pop culture via digital media channels and education. The research of Ito (2000) also shows that digital media such as social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Youtube), online games, iPods, iPads and mobile devices are part of everyday youth culture and this can affect the beliefs and expectations because they may struggle for autonomy and identity in a world full of digital communications and friendships. However, Ito (2000) also evaluates how the digital world offers a means for youth in society to express themselves, and says the digital world helps to create new opportunities for today’s youth to explore social norms and interests. Additionally, they can better develop technical skills and explore new forms of self-expression, self-directed learning and independence (Ito, 2000).

Fisher, M. L. & Salmon, C. (2012). Human Nature and Pop Culture. Review of General Psychology, 16(2), 104-108. doi:10.1037/a0027905.

Fisher & Salmon (2012) review pop culture as it relates to human nature and report that pop culture found in television shows and horror films, were not a part of our early pop culture history, people earlier centuries did not have the luxury of sitting back on a Tuesday night and tuning into modern-day TV shows like Jersey Shore or Real Housewives.  Fisher & Salmon (2012) state that there were no horror films, rap, reality television or popular magazines as part of popular culture, but culture was created using evolution of thinking and interaction.

As it relates to pop culture’s effects on society’s beliefs and expectations, it is stated by Fisher & Salmon (2012) that pop culture is influenced by what people see and hear, and this has to do with human nature. It is further explained that pop culture relates to human problems in society and these problems fall into three categories: 1) survival, 2) mating & parenting, and 3) social living. The researchers explain this as follows: When we look at pop culture, whether musical lyrics, movies, television, or magazines; the content is usually a direct correlation with dealing with a problem in one of these three categories. For example, watching a horror film focuses on fear; fear is an emotion that has helped people survive and reproduce throughout history. Being able to experience this emotion without having to experience the danger that would naturally follow such an emotion, helps people to learn a variety of information, some of which may include cues and solutions to social danger. Because it is just a story people are listening to, they are allowed to take notes on experiences and problems that they are not currently dealing with, but those mental notes may come in handy if those problems do ever arise. Why is pop culture so appealing? The majority of what people see and hear are representations of their social world, what they are listening to or watching will either be condoned or condemned and act as a source of information for choices and the consequences of those choices (Fisher & Salmon, 2012).

McCabe, M. & McGreevy, S. (2011). Role of Media and Peers on Body Change Strategies Among Adult Men: Is body size important? European Eating Disorders Review, 19(5), 438-446. doi:10.1002/erv.1063.

Because body image is usually focused on women and media and pop culture both play a role in healthy and unhealthy body image, it is significant to this research.  McCabe & McGreevy (2011) report on a study from Melbourne, Australia’s Deakin University, School of Psychology that took 526 men between the ages of 18 and 60 and put them into three groups: 1) normal weight, 2) overweight and 3) obese. Differences were then evaluated on the messages about their body (body image and body change strategies) that were received from media and peers. The men were mostly from the United States, Europe, and Australia.  The researchers’ results showed that the messages received by men differed according to the man’s weight and that body image and media messages were the strongest when it came to losing weight, but body image importance and messages from peers were the strongest when it came to increasing muscles. These findings of the research reported on by McCabe & McGreevy (2011) highlight the importance of socio-cultural influences on body change strategies among adult males.  Additionally, it is reported that societal pressures and messages received from parents, peers, partners and the media are thought to have major influences in the development of body image, body preoccupations, and incidences of eating disorders.  Just as women have been subjected to body expectations, now so, light is being shed on this problem for men. All participants for this study were heterosexual and a majority of them were between the ages of 41-50, with just less than half being between the ages of 18-41. Although there were a number of limitations to this study, the results did show that obese men were more likely to pay attention to media direction when it came to body image (McCabe & McGreevy, 2011).

With this literature, it is evident that body image is part of pop culture and has an affect on how people see themselves and influences what they believe about themselves as well as their self-expectations. They want to look better and feel better about themselves and this is largely due to what they see and hear in popular culture.

Hargrieves, D. & North, A. (2005). Brief Report: Labeling Effects on the Perceived Deleterious Consequences of Pop Music Listening. (2005) Journal of Adolescence, 28(3), pp. 433-440.

For this study, Hargrieves & North (2005) report on a study of 16 males and 64 females participants from the United Kingdom, who were also psychology undergraduate students. The research showed that the power of suggestion was indeed most powerful, when it came to whether or not a song or its lyrics were suggestive enough to be considered suicide-inducing or life-affirming (Hargrieves & North, 2005).

Hargrieves & North (2005) report the research ratings that followed showed that the songs were perceived as life-affirming if the subject was told the song was life-affirming and the same went for believing the song was suicide-inducing. Additionally, the study concentrated on four particular pop songs: 1) “Lucky” by Radiohead, 2) “My Friends” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, 3) “Pleasure and Pain” by Ben Harper, and 4) “My Sundown” by Jimmy Eat World. Because of the power of suggestion, this study helps to correlate the idea that people are more apt to believe or choose what they have heard or been told, and much of what they hear or see comes from pop culture (Hargrieves & North, 2005).

Riley, N. & Rosen, C. (2011). Myths and reality TV: Pop culture should be able to deliver more. Christianity Today, 55(8), p. 74.

Riley and Rosen (2011) provide a short comparison between reality television and tales of morality in there research and report that before reality television, it was fairly easy to believe that no one had a perfect marriage like what was shown on The Donna Reed Show or The Cosby Show, but now it has become more difficult to decipher reality from scripted television and this raises questions: Maybe these reality families really do know how to balance all of life’s hurdles and have the perfect marriage and the perfect family? This can lead to us looking at our own relationships in comparison. Why is my marriage not like that? Am I a bad spouse? Is my spouse a bad spouse? Are my kids bad kids or am I just a bad parent? It is suggested that pop culture is training our youth to expect the unattainable with the vigor of instant gratification.  Riley and Rosen (2011) further explain that reality shows show what would normally take months to achieve, only takes approximately twenty to forty-five minutes, depending on the show.  It is also suggested that because of this, it takes away from people’s ability to appreciate the things in life that take time to achieve. In conclusion, it is asked if pop culture will ever be able to encourage thriftiness, self-reliance and compassion, as opposed to lack of virtue and character.

Research Methodology

The research methods used in compiling data for this work were mainly qualitative in nature because it is mostly a result of analyzing descriptions, based on the research of other entities.

The focus of the exploration of this paper was to identify, define and analyze how popular culture thrives what effects it has on societies, beliefs and expectations. The research consisted of a thorough search and analysis of scholarly concepts on various topics concerning pop culture in society.

Additionally, the subjects of the research included populations defined as part of society influenced by pop culture such as the youth, men and women with body image issues, Internet and digital media users, and those influenced by human nature, which is all people because all people are human.

If this were a full-scale study, it would be appropriate to use both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, because time would allow for a more thorough analysis of participants and delivery of results. Sampling methods could include survey questionnaires, interviews and possibly even focus groups, to assess how people in society are influenced by various aspects of pop culture and how they deal with it.

Data for any interviews or questionnaire collections will be compiled into spreadsheet format to get a statistical view of how the various groups of participants are influenced by pop culture in what they believe and expect in a society of technology and peer pressure.

Feasibility

The proposed study for this work have certain limitations and constraints that include possible time constraints to complete all interviews and possible limitations on whether or not people will answer the survey questions truthfully. Potential implications of the study include making sure all materials are turned in on time and all data collection methods are consistent across different survey locations.

The results of the study can potentially benefit other researchers as it relates to controlling the use of digital media in schools and also the study results can help society better educate children and teens on the importance of moderation, when it comes to digital media. They youth need to be educated on how to use pop culture to enhance their lives instead of destroying it in any area. Also, it is a way to educate adults on the effects of technology overload and how it can be prevented.

As it relates to any data collected from participants and confidentiality and informed consent, each participant will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement and give permission to use their responses in any research result reports or any other form of produced works.

References

Batchelor, B. (2011). Digital Technology and Teaching American Culture. Journal of American Culture, 34(1), 49-55. doi:10.1111/j.1542-734X.2011.00763.x

Fisher, M. L. & Salmon, C. (2012). Human Nature and Pop Culture. Review of General  Psychology, 16(2), 104-108. doi:10.1037/a0027905

Hargrieves, D. & North, A. (2005). Brief Report: Labeling Effects on the Perceived Deleterious Consequences of Pop Music Listening. (2005) Journal of Adolescence, 28(3), pp. 433-440.

Informed Consent Sample. (n.d.). Wartburg.edu. Retrieved from http://www.wartburg.edu/harrc/InformedConsentexample.pdf

Ito, M., et. al. (2000). Living and Learning with New Media: Summary of Findings from the Digital Youth Project. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Reports on Digital Media and Learning. Retrieved from http://digitalyouth.ischool.berkeley.edu/files/report/digitalyouth-WhitePaper.pdf

McCabe, M. & McGreevy, S. (2011). Role of Media and Peers on Body Change Strategies Among Adult Men: Is body size important? European Eating Disorders Review, 19(5), 438-446. doi:10.1002/erv.1063.

Pop Culture. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pop+culture

Riley, N. & Rosen, C. (2011). Myths and reality TV: Pop culture should be able to deliver more. Christianity Today, 55(8), p. 74.

Appendices

Pop Culture Survey

This survey is an assessment of how you feel about pop culture and whether or not you feel it affects your personal beliefs and expectations of yourself and others in society. Please answer the questions truthfully and thoroughly with answers that correspond to your personal views, preferences or choices.

Informed Consent Form for Survey

Pop Culture Effects on Societies, Beliefs and Expectations

Informed Consent Form

Purpose of the Study:

The goal of this study is to define pop culture and evaluate its influence in today’s technological world and how it affects societies as it relates to the popular beliefs and expectations of people within the societies.

What will be done:

You will have 30 minutes to complete the survey, although it will probably only take 20 minutes to complete. The survey takes an assessment on your views about pop culture and tests some basic knowledge about pop culture. We also ask a few demographic questions (e.g. gender, age, marital status, number of children and level of education). This is so that we can accurately determine how specific results relate to specific groups.

Benefits of this Study:

This study will be used to assess trends in pop culture influence among the general population, particularly the youth in society. You will be contributing to initiatives to help youth and society get a better grasp on how digital media platforms and pop culture influences affect the minds of our youth.

Confidentiality:

Your responses to the question will be kept completely confidential and your identity will not be disclosed, because we ask that you not put your name on the survey.

Contact information:

If you have any questions of concerns before, during or after taking the survey you may contact:

Jane Doe at 555-555-5555.

1234 S. Any Street

Anytown, PA 55555