Modern Culture

According to Crook et al., there are three main characteristics of modern culture: differentiation, rationalization and commodification.

Differentiation: Differentiation involves the separating out of different parts of society. Economic, political, social and cultural spheres become increasingly distinct from one another... Culture was therefore separated or differentiated from other aspects of life. It was produced by specialists, trained in particular institutions, and it was consumed in specific places...

Rationalization: According to Crook et al., rationalization also shaped modern culture, but not as completely as differentiation...Technology was used to make it possible to recreate or copy culture... Radios and record players allowed broadcasts and copies of original music to be consumed widely... Nevertheless, in modernity the rationalization of culture can only proceed so far, since the individual creativity of the great artist is still valued.

Commodification: The commodification of culture involves turning cultural products into commodities that can be readily bought and sold...