Cultural Elitism

Definition

Cultural elitism refers to the belief that certain cultural practices, forms of art, and intellectual pursuits are superior to others, often resulting in a hierarchy of cultural value. This perspective often prioritizes high culture—such as classical music, fine art, and literary works—over popular or low culture, which can include mass media and popular entertainment. Cultural elitism can create divisions within society, shaping perceptions of taste, education, and access to cultural capital.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural elitism often manifests in the way that institutions like museums and galleries prioritize certain artworks while marginalizing others seen as lowbrow.
2. Critics of cultural elitism argue that it promotes exclusion and perpetuates class divides by valuing the tastes of the elite over those of the general public.
3. The rise of the internet and social media has contributed to a challenge against cultural elitism, allowing for a broader acceptance of diverse forms of expression.
4. Cultural elitism can influence education systems, where curricula may favor classical literature and art while overlooking contemporary works from marginalized communities.
5. In literature and art discussions, cultural elitism can lead to debates over what constitutes 'worthy' art or literature versus what is deemed merely entertainment.

Review Questions

• How does cultural elitism impact the perception of different art forms within society?
  • Cultural elitism creates a hierarchy in which certain art forms are perceived as more valuable or worthy than others. High culture is often celebrated and supported by institutions, while low culture may be dismissed or undervalued. This impacts not only how art is created and consumed but also who has access to cultural resources, leading to societal divisions based on perceived taste and education.
• What role do institutions play in perpetuating cultural elitism, and how might they address these issues?
  • Institutions such as museums, theaters, and educational establishments often perpetuate cultural elitism by prioritizing high culture in their programming and collections. This can alienate broader audiences who engage more with popular or low culture. To address these issues, institutions could broaden their definitions of valuable culture by including diverse perspectives and promoting inclusivity through community engagement initiatives.
• Evaluate the implications of cultural elitism in shaping societal values regarding taste and education.
  • Cultural elitism significantly shapes societal values by establishing what is considered 'good' taste, often favoring those who have been educated in elite circles. This reinforces class divisions as it privileges the experiences and preferences of a select few over the broader population. The implications include unequal access to cultural capital and a narrow definition of what constitutes valid knowledge or appreciation in arts and literature, potentially stifling creativity and diversity in cultural expressions.

Related terms

High Culture: Cultural products and practices that are considered to be of superior quality and value, often associated with the elite or educated classes.

Low Culture: Cultural products and practices that are popular and widely consumed but often viewed as inferior or less sophisticated compared to high culture.

Cultural Capital: The non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, including education, intellect, style of speech, and even tastes in music and art.