The Link Between Social Science and Popular Culture
Remember to Lock the Door!
I can lock my front door at night, for example, with a simple turn of a dead bolt lock.
But, doesn't this nightly ritual also imply that I am aware of crime statistics that involve deeper sociological issues of poverty, drug abuse, and so forth?
In general, I find that sociology is not just something written on the dusty and cobweb-ridden pages of a college textbook.
Because there is a link between the premises of social science and the everyday conversational tidbits of popular culture, I am constantly bombarded by sociological references, regardless of whether they imply positive or negative human circumstances.
These conversational references of popular culture, which range from pie in the face vaudevillian cliches to sacred and undiminished mottos and passages, are typically overlooked as the representations of social science they are.
As evidence of this link, I can call attention to the following examples:
Altercasting Defined
As a formal term of social science, altercasting is defined as a tool of persuasion through which I hope to benefit. If I "cast" another person into the social role of benefactor, for example, I am hoping they will respond to this social role and be persuaded to help me.
In popular culture, altercasting is represented by the "Buddy, can you spare a dime?" stereotype.
If I call somebody "Buddy," I'm hoping they will be persuaded to act like a buddy and give me a dime.
The link between social science and popular culture is strong, although it often goes unrecognized.
Ecological Fallacy Defined
As a term used in sociological research, ecological fallacy implies an error in reasoning regarding the properties of groups in relation to individuals. This means that the statistical data which is relevant to groups is not necessarily relevant to the individuals within those groups.
In popular culture, ecological fallacy is represented by the "In God We Trust" motto, for example.
Even though the United States as a whole is seen as believing in God, it would be an error in sociological reasoning to assume that the individual citizens of the United States believe in God.
It's interesting to note how the most simple and familiar concepts of my everyday popular culture life can be so intricately interwoven with complex references to social science.
In sum, a flick of the wrist locks my door. Yet, this simple action implies a greater sociological significance.
Similarly, the conversational storehouse of cliches, myths, stereotypes, mottos, slang terms, and much more can inevitably find their definitional counterpart in the academic formality of social science.
Although it often goes unrecognized, the link between social science and popular culture is a pervasive one indeed.
Sources: Altercasting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altercasting
Ecological Fallacy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_fallacy
Published by Dan Reveal
Come walk with me. I'll share my umbrella. View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentOur nation first used "In God We Trust" as a motto in 1864, when there was a strong need for such an assuring expression.
Fantastic work ♥
Awesome writing! Thanks for a great read!
I don't even lock my door now
I never thought of it all this way before. Very interesting article!
Life lessons...well done Dan!
(gah AC is still a little glitchy. I was signed in already but had to sign in again to post comment!) Anyway, this is a very interesting topic and indeed you make a good valid point. I think however, unless our career was focused on sociology, we'd drive ourselves nuts analyzing the sociological references all the time!
Thought provoking!
Very profound, provides wonderful food for thought :)
Great work Dan.... :o)