Seri Kuliah Sosiologi FILM: (4) Perintis Kajian Sosiologi FILM: Jacob Peter Mayer

Summary

In this discussion on the sociology of film, the speaker explains why studying film sociology is essential, emphasizing that films are a form of social practice. Films reveal personal and collective identities, values, and aspirations while reflecting societal norms. The pioneer of film sociology, Jacob Peter Mayer, in 1946, explored the social impact of films, particularly their role in shaping political opinions and emotional responses. The speaker also highlights the shift from traditional entertainment to individualistic interpretations in modern film watching, where diverse meanings are drawn from shared experiences, reflecting societal mentalities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Film is a form of social practice that reflects societal norms and values.
• 😀 Studying sociology through film helps us understand who we are, what we aspire to, and how we feel.
• 😀 Films engage in a dialogue with viewers as a reflection of social practices, always influenced by societal processes.
• 😀 The pioneer of sociology of film is Jacob Peter Mayer, who published 'Sociology of Film' in 1946.
• 😀 Mayer introduced an external approach to film studies, focusing on the sociological assumptions and social phenomena in films.
• 😀 Inspired by Max Weber, Mayer believed that films could shape political opinions and were deeply tied to moral and emotional impacts on audiences.
• 😀 Mayer's main focus was on the impact of films on the standards and values of viewers, questioning how films relate to actual social values.
• 😀 There is a dialectical relationship between film and societal moral standards, as films often challenge societal norms.
• 😀 Modern viewers seek personal participation in films, interpreting them individually, unlike traditional entertainment that offers a single interpretation.
• 😀 Alfred Schutz's concept of 'divided consciousness' relates to the diverse interpretations that arise when people watch the same film together.

Q & A

Why is it important to study sociology of film?

It is important because film is a form of social practice that reflects societal norms, values, and emotions. It helps us understand who we are, what we aspire to be, and what should be avoided, while allowing us to engage in dialogue with films as representations of social practices.

Who is considered the pioneer of film sociology?

Jacob Peter Mayer is considered the pioneer of film sociology. He published a book titled 'Sociology of Film' in 1946, marking the beginning of film sociology studies.

What approach did Jacob Peter Mayer use in film sociology?

Mayer used an external approach to film sociology, analyzing films through a sociological lens and studying their impact on social phenomena, as well as exploring the assumptions and values conveyed in films.

How did Max Weber's ideas influence Mayer's work in sociology of film?

Mayer was influenced by Max Weber's ideas, particularly in terms of understanding the political and moral implications of films. Mayer suspected that films could shape political opinions, which led to his exploration of the sociology of film.

What is the focus of Jacob Mayer’s work in film sociology?

Mayer focused on the impact of films on the social standards of viewers. He questioned what values films teach or promote and how these values relate to real-world social norms.

How does Mayer view the relationship between films and social moral standards?

Mayer believed that films and social moral standards are dialectically connected. Films often challenge or question societal norms, and there is always a relationship between the content of films and the moral standards of society.

How does modern film viewing differ from traditional forms of entertainment?

In modern film viewing, individuals seek personal participation in the cinematic experience while maintaining their own perceptions. Unlike traditional entertainment, where interpretations are often predetermined and collective, film viewing today allows for diverse interpretations and personal engagement.

What does Alfred Schutz’s theory of 'divided consciousness' have to do with film viewing?

Alfred Schutz's theory of 'divided consciousness' relates to film viewing because, even though many people watch the same film together, their interpretations of it are diverse, influenced by their unique memories and individual experiences.

Why do films blend reality and fiction according to Jacob Mayer?

Mayer argues that films blur the boundaries between reality and fiction because they evoke personal memories and individual interpretations, which can distort the line between what is real and what is imagined.

How does watching films influence society according to Mayer?

Watching films influences society by reflecting and shaping the collective mentality. Films serve as a mirror for societal values and emotional responses, contributing to how society perceives and interprets reality.