Social Imaginaries and Popular Culture

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between social imaginaries and popular culture, questioning the tendency to over-sociologize the concept of “popular culture” and proposing that “popular” represents a form of culture accessible to all classes and sectors within a society. The research argues that culture has historically been “popular” and that even the most “cultured” cultural productions have roots in popular forms and imaginaries. Bourgeois and popular culture coexist, with the former dominating in terms of cultural production and consumption, and the latter standing out for its collective and participatory character. Social imaginaries, which emerge mainly in popular culture, act as a significant substratum that influences cultural production through collective practices and shared symbols. The article also explores how these imaginaries contribute to national and regional cultural identity, suggesting that popular culture is essential to understanding cultural dynamics and identities in the global context.