A sophisticated analysis of cultural artifacts

requires a close examination of five basic

elements, which together constitute what

Paul du Gay et al have called ‘the Circuit of

Culture’ (1997).

These elements are as below:

1. representation 3. production

2. identity 4. consumption

5. regulation.

I n order to

illustrate the

‘Circuit of Culture’

we need to use a

concrete example.

Let us take a

technological

device: The

Television.

What does the television represent, and how

is it represented?

Television represents three major aspects,

1. communication,

2. information,

3. entertainment.

What kind of identity does television project?

What kinds of promotional materials?

What does it means to appear on television? Is the identity of public intellectual governed by appearance on a programme?

What kinds of identity are given importance in television serials family? Young professionals? Youth? Business Culture?

What is the

Indian Identity

projected on

television?

Dalits?

What is the tone

of programmes

that try to give

representation

and space to the

marginalized?

Cultural Studies is interested in the ideologies

that underlie these identity – Projection.

Look at the major television manufactures.

What are the policies in these companies?

Examples,

Deos, X-Signature.

Pepsodent.

movie Cat woman.

How is recruitment done?

What welfare policies are in place for

workers?

How much profit does the company make?

Does the company project a democratic

work culture?

Who are the major buyers of television sets,

black and white and color?

What are their income levels?

Why would you buy a particular model?

led/ lcd

smart TV

Is the choice of a particular kind dictated by

fashion, taste, functionality?

Do you upgrade models because you are an

enthusiast and can afford to?

Consider the union government’s ban on

Fashion TV, because it offends Indian

Cultural sentiments.

Why do ban on Ram- Leela, or such a ‘Delhi-

Bely’?

When word ‘Ban’ comes, most probable role

of censor board works.

What is the role of the censor board or the

Broadcasting Ministry?

This “Circuit of Culture” is perhaps the most

thorough examination of any cultural artifact.

As we can see it covers a range of issues

and themes – from the question of media

representation to the construction of

identities in a culture.

Group Members:

Nupur Vyas

Disha Trivedi

Hezal Trivedi

Jayti Thakr.

Thank you

&

Farewell.