dominant culture

A Dictionary of Sociology | 1998 | 582 words | Copyright

dominant culture Whereas traditional societies can be characterized by a high consistency of cultural traits and customs, modern societies are often a conglomeration of different, often competing, cultures and subcultures. In such a situation of diversity, a dominant culture is one that is able, through economic or political power, to impose its values, language, and ways of behaving on a subordinate culture or cultures. This may be achieved through legal or political suppression of other sets of values and patterns of behaviour, or by monopolizing the media of communication.

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GORDON MARSHALL. "dominant culture." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 9 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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GORDON MARSHALL. "dominant culture." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Retrieved February 09, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-dominantculture.html

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