Week 4

If one were to analyze a culture in the context of the producers that generate cultural products, this would be called a production of culture perspective.  This perspective can be very useful.  To understand the 1955 birth of rock and roll, Peterson used this technique.  Being that it is unlikely rock and roll came about “out of nowhere”, so to speak, Peterson’s explanations serve to discuss many angles.  Touching on law, market, technology, industry structure, and occupational careers, he has many valid points.  However, there can be flaws in the production of culture perspective.  Particularly in Peterson’s argument, he fails to discuss the actual music itself.  His theories could be applied to any style of music born in the year 1955 and fail to answer critical questions.  For example, why rock and roll?  Why did people like it and why did it become so popular?  The birth of rock and roll is arguable.