Pop Culture in relation to Psychology

Abstract

In this paper we discuss pop culture. Predominately the focus is on pop culture in relation to psychology and that indeed, takes up the vast majority of the essay. But in part 1 we give the reader a brief social-historical overview of pop culture (i.e., its impact and connection to society throughout modern history). Then in Part 2 (and for the rest of the essay) the focus is on pop culture in relation to psychology.

In order to understand what pop culture means, you must first understand what pop and culture mean individually. Pop is a short form for the term popular which simply means regarded with favor, likability, and approval by the majority in society. Culture on the other hand is basically a way of life of a group of people; i.e., their values and beliefs that are passed down from one generation to another via communication. Having understood these two terms separately, pop culture can be defined as commercialized culture that is widely accepted, commonly liked and approved of, and what characterizes a particular society at a specific point of time.