Culture

Definition

Culture refers to the shared beliefs, practices, values, norms, and artifacts of a particular group or society. It shapes how individuals within that group perceive the world and interact with one another. In the context of storytelling and franchises, culture influences narrative styles, character development, and audience engagement across different media platforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Culture is dynamic and can evolve over time through interactions with different groups and influences from other cultures.
2. In transmedia storytelling, culture plays a key role in how narratives are adapted and expanded across different platforms to resonate with diverse audiences.
3. Franchises often reflect cultural values and societal issues, making them relevant to their audiences while promoting discussions around identity and representation.
4. Cultural references within media can enhance audience engagement by creating shared understandings that resonate deeply with viewers.
5. Understanding the cultural context is essential for analyzing how stories are received in different regions, as local customs and traditions can shape audience interpretations.

Review Questions

• How does culture influence the development of narratives in transmedia storytelling?
  • Culture shapes the themes, character arcs, and storytelling methods used across different media platforms in transmedia storytelling. Each narrative element is crafted with cultural context in mind, allowing the story to resonate more deeply with various audiences. When narratives are adapted for different formats, understanding cultural nuances ensures that the essence of the story is maintained while appealing to diverse viewer sensibilities.
• In what ways do franchises reflect cultural values and issues within society?
  • Franchises serve as mirrors to the cultures they originate from by addressing current societal concerns, such as representation, identity, and moral dilemmas. By embedding these cultural values into their narratives and characters, franchises create a dialogue with their audiences about real-world issues. This reflection allows viewers to connect with the material on a personal level while encouraging broader discussions about culture in society.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on local cultures as represented in transmedia franchises.
  • Globalization has a profound impact on local cultures by introducing diverse influences that can reshape traditional practices and beliefs. In transmedia franchises, this manifests as stories that blend local customs with global themes. While this can lead to enriched narratives that appeal to wider audiences, it also risks overshadowing local cultures by prioritizing dominant global narratives. Thus, balancing global appeal with authentic local representation is crucial for meaningful storytelling.

Related terms

Subculture: A cultural group within a larger culture that has its own distinct values, norms, and practices.

Cultural Capital: The non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, including education, intellect, style of speech, and dress.

Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, often impacting local cultures.