Matthew Arnold - 'Culture and Anarchy'

Arnold, Matthew (1869) ‘Culture and Anarchy’ in Storey (2007) Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: a Reader. London:Pearson. 

‘Sweetness and light’ is a phrase used frequently in this article. By ‘sweetness and light’ Arnold is referring to the “happy moments of humanity” through texts such as literature, art and classic music. 

The main focus of Arnolds article is that culture is needed in society in order to distinct the social classes. He discusses how culture is the enemy of anarchy as literature; art etc. distinguishes the class system, but also teaches morality and civilization. He puts forward the theory of “the social idea” which suggests that through culture members of society can become equal.

However, Arnold puts forward the idea that authentic ‘sweetness and light’ would be unobtainable for the populace (working class) as the Barbarians (Aristocratic)  “will try to give the masses, as they call them, an intellectual food prepared and adapted in the way they think proper for the actual condition of the masses.” I find the use of the word ‘masses’ relevant as it suggests the populace class were treated as cattle. This reinforces the upper classes fear of the masses.

Arnold explains that the working classes or ‘masses’ have become unhappy with their way of life and would enjoy living similar to the elitists who are able to go places and communicate with whoever they please. However, through culture, the populace are able to become distracted from their shortcomings. This was vital to society in the 19th century as there was wide spread fear of working class anarchy, as civil uprising was on-going in France and the USA at the time.