From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Mainstream is, generally, the common current of thought of the majority. It is a term most often applied in the arts (i.e., music, literature, and performance). This includes:
- something that is ordinary or usual;
- something that is familiar to the masses;
- something that is available to the general public.
As such, the mainstream includes all popular culture, typically disseminated by mass media. The opposite of the mainstream are subcultures, countercultures, cult followings and underground cultures.
Additionally, Mainstream is sometimes a codeword used for one's own actual ethnocentric or subculture point of view, especially when delivered in a culture war speech.
It is sometimes used as a pejorative term.
[edit] In Film
Mainstream films can best be defined as commercial films that know a wide release and play in first run theatres (A movie theater that runs primarily mainstream film fare from the major film companies and distributors, during the initial release period of each film). Being sold at Amazon.com or its affiliates can also be an indicator. Hollywood movies are usually considered mainstream and blockbusters are also mainstream films.
The boundary is vague. Mainstream suggests middle-of-the-road and implies commercial viability, sometimes implying that the commercial viability is tantamount to a loss of artistic creativity.
The opposite of mainstream film may be experimental film, art film or cult film.
[edit] In Music
Musically, mainstream music denotes music that is familiar to the masses, as for example popular music, pop music, middle of the road music, rock and roll music and most modern rap music, some Nu metal music, and Indie rock. Mainstream jazz is generally seen as an evolution of be-bop, which was originally regarded as radical.
[edit] In Sociology
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Main article: Normal (behavior)
Mainstream pressure, through actions such as peer pressure, can force individuals to conform to the mores of the group (e.g., an obedience to the mandates of the peer group). Some have stated that they see mainstream as the antithesis of individuality.
[edit] Gender Mainstreaming
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Main article: Gender mainstreaming
[edit] Mainstreaming in Education
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Main article: Mainstreaming in education
Mainstreaming in education, also known as inclusion, is the process of grouping disabled students with general education students in the classroom. In theory, this method is supposed to bring up the students at lower levels while encouraging leadership roles from the higher level students. The difficulty of defining what "mainstream" is arises from the differences that parents and their children may have for what the word means.