The use of media and popular culture is a sociological phenomenon in which structural changes in society, which accompany the emergence of new forms of communication and access to information, can be examined. There are many divergent views as to whether media and popular culture are necessary for a democratic and egalitarian society to function or whether they actually reinforce social inequalities and hinder political debate or participation. While both interpretations are arguably valid, it can be seen that it is not popular culture and media itself, but rather how it is consumed by the public, that determines how these media influence individuals and, by extension, society as a whole. Given the implications of popular culture and media on the structure of society, the prevalence of different forms of social inequality becomes a central issue. Barnett (1998: 58) suggests that despite theories relating to the influence of culture on social inequalities, such as Bourdieu's notion of cultural capital which argues that cultural forms are exclusively accessible to the upper classes in order to maintain a distinct separation between social classes, popular culture is considered neither higher nor lower culture and therefore does not discriminate between social classes but rather adapts to the changing nature of class. Although it is argued that the notion of popular culture and media accessible to all ensures that it does not contribute to the maintenance of social classes, the content presented through these media tends to encourage a less sympathetic public attitude towards those who suffer the repercussions. social inequalities, particularly poverty and unemployment... middle of article......the dilemma of the 21st century", Sociological Inquiry, vol. 80, no. 1, pp. 28-33Taylor-Gooby, P 2013, 'Why do people stigmatize the poor in an era of growing inequality, and what can be done about it?' », The Political Quarterly, vol. 84, no. 1, pp. 31-42.Thompson, JB 2011, “Shifting the boundaries of public and private life”, Theory Culture Society, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 49-70Wei, L and Hindman, DB 2011, “Is the digital divide wider? Comparing the Effects of New Media and Old Media Use on the Educational Knowledge Gap,” Mass Communications and Society, Vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 216-235. Welch, M, Price, EA and Yankey, N 2002, 'Moral panic over youth violence: Wilding and the fabrication of threats in the media', Youth Society, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 3-29West, DM 2005, “American Politics in the Age of Celebrity”, The Hedgehog Review, vol. 7, no. 1, p.p... 59-65.