Connecting Social Problems and Popular Culture: Why Media is Not the Answer

by Karen Sternheimer

Is violence on the streets caused by violence in video games? Do hip-hop lyrics increase misogynistic and homophobic behavior? Are teens promiscuous because of what they see in movies? Popular culture is an easy answer for many of society’s problems, but it is almost always the wrong answer. This innovative book goes beyond the news-grabbing headlines claiming that popular culture is public enemy number one to consider what really causes the social problems we are most concerned about. The sobering fact is that the roots of poverty, child abuse, and unequal public education are much more complicated than the media-made-them-do-it explanations. Karen Sternheimer deftly illustrates how welfare “reform,” a two-tiered health care system, and other difficult systemic issues have far more to do with our contemporary social problems than Grand Theft Auto or 50 Cent.

Genres: Nonfiction

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2009

About the author

Karen Sternheimer is a sociologist at the University of Southern California. She writes about popular culture and youth and has provided commentary for CNN, MSNBC, FOX, ABC, and the History Channel.

Reviews

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the various ways that popular culture effects just about every aspect of our daily lives. Goes way beyond how video games get blamed for making our kids fat, lazy and violent. She explores how media effects teen sex, pregnancy, single parenthood and materialism, in addition to many other topics.

Relatively well written, but I was able to put it down, therefore, I only gave it 4 stars rather than 5. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in pop culture!

[Shahab]

there was a nice video review by the author here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13K3ZB...

[Frank Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. A must read for people of all ages.