Standardization

Dictionary: The process of making something conform to a standard.

Working definition: Standardization is a cynical argument that we believe ourselves to be unique and have individuality. There is a naïve presumption that we are original, that is formulate our own thoughts and actions. However, there is a sameness in our culture which leads to standardization.

Adorno/Horkheimer

‘Culture today is infecting everything with sameness.”

“All mass culture under monopoly is identical.”

Relevance to Media

Causes of standardization in relation to media studies:

-“Ownership of the media has become so concentrated that by the mid-2000s only five global firms dominated the media industry in the United States.” (Crouteau, 33)

-Film, radio, and magazines form a system.” (Adorno, 2)

-“Dynamic tensions between the forces of structure that shape but do no determine behavior, and the actions of human beings, who make choices but not fully autonomous.” (Croteau,113)