Cultural values

Definition

Cultural values are the shared beliefs, norms, and ideals that shape a community's behaviors and practices. They serve as guiding principles for how individuals within a culture perceive the world, interact with each other, and make decisions, influencing everything from social customs to artistic expressions. In relation to film genres, cultural values can affect the themes, characters, and narratives presented in movies, reflecting or challenging societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural values often influence the portrayal of gender roles in film genres, shaping how male and female characters are depicted.
2. Different film genres can highlight varying cultural values, such as heroism in action films or community in family dramas.
3. Cultural values can shift over time, leading to changes in popular film genres that reflect contemporary societal attitudes.
4. Films can challenge prevailing cultural values by presenting alternative perspectives or by critiquing established norms.
5. Understanding cultural values is crucial for analyzing how films resonate with audiences and impact societal beliefs.

Review Questions

• How do cultural values shape the themes and character development within specific film genres?
  • Cultural values play a significant role in shaping the themes and character development in film genres by establishing what is considered acceptable or aspirational within a society. For instance, action films often emphasize values like bravery and individualism, which influence how characters are portrayed as heroes. Conversely, romantic comedies may focus on values related to love and relationships, guiding character interactions and story arcs that resonate with audience expectations.
• Discuss how films can both reflect and challenge cultural values present in society.
  • Films can reflect cultural values by portraying dominant societal beliefs and norms through their narratives and characters. However, they also have the power to challenge these values by presenting alternative viewpoints or highlighting social issues. For example, a film that depicts LGBTQ+ relationships can question traditional views on sexuality and family structures, encouraging audiences to reconsider their beliefs and potentially driving social change.
• Evaluate the impact of changing cultural values on the evolution of popular film genres over time.
  • Changing cultural values significantly impact the evolution of popular film genres by dictating what themes resonate with audiences at different historical moments. As societies evolve, so do their collective beliefs about morality, identity, and community. This shift can lead to the rise of new genres or the transformation of existing ones; for instance, the growing emphasis on diversity has led to more inclusive storytelling in recent years. Analyzing these trends reveals how films serve as both mirrors to society's evolving ethos and catalysts for further change.

Related terms

subculture: A smaller cultural group within a larger culture that has its own distinct values, beliefs, and practices.

cultural hegemony: The dominance of one cultural group over others, often reflected in mainstream media and popular culture.

representation: The way in which different groups, cultures, and identities are portrayed in media and popular culture.