(Originais Teachy 2023) - Question Medium of Sociology

Analyzing the work 'Mass Culture in the 21st Century', the renowned sociologist J. B. Saldanha investigates the impact of contemporary communication technologies on the production and dissemination of cultural goods. According to Saldanha, 'mass culture not only replicates dominant cultural patterns, but also significantly influences the construction of identities and worldviews of a specific social group'. Considering this statement and integrating knowledge from sociology with the field of information technology, discuss how social networks and digital platforms can act as agents in shaping mass culture, exemplifying a scenario in which social networks play a key role in disseminating a new cultural trend and altering behavioral patterns of a specific group in contemporary society.

Contemporary society is permeated by a wide range of cultural products, and mass culture stands out as a phenomenon that deeply influences social, political, and economic life. Produced on a large scale and disseminated through various means of communication, these products shape behaviors, ideas, and collective identities. According to the German sociologist Theodor W. Adorno, in his work 'The Culture Industry and Society' (1947), mass culture tends to standardize taste and homogenize perceptions, making the individual increasingly susceptible to social control. Adorno argues that 'the culture industry is the integration into mass society of structures that originated in privileged social groups'. Considering the contemporary context and Adorno's perspectives, analyze how the intersection between mass culture and digital media can both reinforce and challenge the concept of 'standardization of taste' and 'homogenization of perceptions' proposed by the sociologist.

Social inequality is a theme present in the study of various societies and analyzes the relationships between individuals, groups, social classes, and different cultures in the face of technical, technological, and informational transformations over time. Considering that social inequality has a significant impact on people's lives, especially in access to education, health, and job opportunities, it is important to understand its causes and mechanisms of perpetuation. In this context, which of the following alternatives presents a type of economic or social relationship that contributes to the aggravation and perpetuation of social inequality?