Reading Comprehension Questions: Chapter 5: Material Witness ✓ Solved

1) Besides the objects themselves, what are some of the sources of information that can be used to help us understand material culture?

2) How did the changes to buildings, discussed at a number of points in the chapter, reflect social and cultural changes that the US was going through in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?

3) How is the idea of a “consumer revolution” as described on page 13 (the Last Page) reflected in the differences between the two major paintings Quilting Frolic (pg.5) and the parlor engraving (pg.11)?

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Understanding material culture involves analyzing the physical objects and artifacts created, used, and valued by a society. However, material culture cannot be fully understood by examining objects in isolation. Various sources of information contribute crucial insights into the context in which these objects were created and used. For instance, historical texts, including letters, diaries, and newspapers, provide personal and societal contexts that enrich our understanding of material artifacts. Additionally, archaeological findings and ethnographic studies can offer perspectives on how material objects functioned within their cultural landscapes (Miller, 2010).

In the analysis of buildings and architecture, it’s important to recognize that architectural styles reflect the social and cultural dynamics of their time. Changes to buildings during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the US manifested significant socio-economic transformations. The shift from modest, utilitarian structures to more elaborate architectural designs, such as Federal and Greek Revival styles, mirrored the growing aspirations and values of a rising middle class seeking to establish their identity and social status (Blumenson, 1993). The transition from communal living spaces to individualized homes indicates a shift towards privacy and domesticity that defined the period, reflecting broader cultural changes that prioritized individualism.

The concept of a “consumer revolution” is intrinsically linked to these architectural changes and is vividly illustrated through an analysis of the artistic representations of the time. The differences between the painting "Quilting Frolic" and the parlor engraving exemplify this consumer revolution. "Quilting Frolic," depicting a communal activity with women collaboratively quilting, reflects a nostalgic, communal aspect of domestic life. This painting suggests that material culture was once defined by shared experiences and collective production (Karp, 1991). Conversely, the parlor engraving represents a more individualistic consumption pattern, showcasing a refined parlor intended for display, symbolizing personal wealth and the pursuit of leisure. This engraving illustrates the growing trend of aligning domestic spaces with consumer values, emphasizing personal aesthetics and the ownership of luxury goods (McCracken, 1990).

The intersection of material culture and consumerism also extends to the variety of objects found in homes during this period. Decorative arts, including ceramics, glassware, and furniture, began to reflect the tastes and preferences of individual consumers rather than serving purely functional purposes. The rise of advertising and the proliferation of consumer goods signify a shift toward a culture that celebrated personal identity and social distinction through possessions (Appadurai, 1986).

In summary, the understanding of material culture extends far beyond mere objects to include a wealth of historical, social, and cultural insights. The architectural transformations of the late 18th and early 19th centuries reveal significant changes in American society, reflecting shifts towards individualism and consumerism. Through art, architecture, and consumer goods, we see the embodiment of cultural values and social dynamics that shaped the emerging American identity.

References

  • Appadurai, A. (1986). The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective. Cambridge University Press.

  • Blumenson, J. C. (1993). Identifying American Architecture: A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms, 1600-2000. W. W. Norton & Company.

  • Karp, I. (1991). Culture, History, and the Object. In Karp, I. & Lavine, S. (Eds.), Exhibiting Cultures: The Poetics and Politics of Museum Display. Smithsonian Institution Press.

  • McCracken, G. (1990). Culture and Consumption: New Approaches to the Symbolic Character of Consumer Goods and Activities. Indiana University Press.

  • Miller, D. (2010). Stuff. Polity Press.

  • Stalnaker, M. (2013). Consuming the American Dream: How the Economy Influences the Cultural Landscape. Journal of American Studies, 47(3), 1-20.

  • Wittkower, R. (1999). Architectural Principles in the Age of Humanism. Thames & Hudson.

  • Yamashita, A. S. (2006). Domestic Spaces in Transition: The Convergence of Consumption and Social Identity in Late 18th Century America. Journal of Historical Geography, 32(4), 728-748.

  • Zukin, S. (2004). Point of Purchase: How Shopping Changed American Culture. Routledge.

  • Frank, A. G. (1996). ReOrient: Global Economy in the Asian Age. University of California Press.