Mass Culture

Mass Culture Definition

Between 1880 and 1915, mass culture emerged in the U.S. as urbanization and immigration brought diverse groups together in cities. This period saw the rise of shared entertainment like newspapers, vaudeville, and sporting events that helped unify people with different backgrounds. Mass culture was important because it provided a common identity and sense of belonging during a time of rapid change and social tension. Today, mass culture still matters as it influences trends, behaviors, and opinions through mediums like social media and movies. For example, viral social media challenges can quickly spread shared experiences and ideas worldwide, affecting how people interact and view each other.

Practice Version

Mass Culture Definition

Mass Culture: A set of beliefs that are dominant in a society at a given point in time. Mass culture. Mass culture refers to the shared ideas and practices widely accepted and consumed by large groups of people, often spread through media and popular entertainment.