Author: Theodor Adorno
Synopsis
Adorno's critique of the culture industry argues that mass-produced entertainment can standardize culture and encourage passive consumption. Commercial cultural institutions, in this view, can shape preferences while presenting their products as individualized choices.
Why It Matters to Sociology
The concept became highly influential in sociology and media studies. It continues to inform debates about advertising, popular entertainment, streaming platforms, commercialization, consumer culture, and the concentration of media power.