Tracking Configurable Culture from the Margins to the Mainstream

Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2013

46 Pages Posted: 23 Oct 2013

See all articles by Aram Sinnreich

Aram Sinnreich

American University School of Communication

Mark Latonero

Data & Society Research Institute; USC Annenberg School of Communication

Date Written: June 1, 2013

Abstract

In this study, we analyze data from surveys conducted in 2006 and 2010, tracking changes in awareness, engagement and attitudes surrounding emerging digital cultural forms over this 5-year period. Our analysis, based on results from thousands of adults around the globe, shows that not only have remixes, mashups and other forms of "configurable culture" become mainstream phenomena, but also that the attitudes surrounding their cultural legitimacy are shifting. While copyright industries still promote a binary theft/permission framework, many people acknowledge the validity of some appropriation, and are actively negotiating the law’s limitations. Yet, those most engaged in challenging dominant copyright narratives and exploring these emergent forms are those who hold the reins of cultural power: the young, educated and wealthy.

Keywords: remix, survey, digital divide, privacy, copyright, configurable culture

Suggested Citation

Sinnreich, Aram and Latonero, Mark, Tracking Configurable Culture from the Margins to the Mainstream (June 1, 2013). Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2344277

Aram Sinnreich (Contact Author)

American University School of Communication ( email )

Mary Graydon Center
4400 Massachusetts Av. NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.american.edu/soc/

Mark Latonero

Data & Society Research Institute ( email )

36 West 20th Street
New York,, NY New York 10011
United States

USC Annenberg School of Communication ( email )

2250 Alcazar Street
Los Angeles, CA 90089
United States

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
42
Abstract Views
455
PlumX Metrics