Podcast for Social Research, Episode 69: The Worst of Times? The Frankfurt School and Contemporary Culture

Generational perspectives on the relevance of Adorno and the Frankfurt School

The speakers explore how the ideas from the Frankfurt School, such as the critique of mass culture, still hold significance in contemporary society. They highlight the commodification of cultural commentary and the impact of social media on the dissemination and reception of art and criticism. The speakers also emphasize the need to critically engage with and challenge the dominant narratives and structures of cultural production. The episode delves into the tension between autonomy and absorption in art, the effects of capitalism on cultural spheres, and the rise of trolling and shaming in online platforms. They also touch on the role of cultural criticism in shaping public discourse and the potential for art to resist the dominant systems. The podcast underscores the continued relevance of critical theory in understanding and analyzing contemporary cultural phenomena.