The Greenwood encyclopedia of world popular culture

Discover why Indian hip-hop - a blend of Western hip-hop and traditional Indian music - is all the rage in clubs around the country.

Find out why the Finns have more cell phones per capita than Japan or the United States.

Learn why an increasing number of teens in the United States are engaging in extreme forms of body modification, such as branding and the neotribal practice of scarification.

Uncover the story behind manga magazines (or comic books), which sell upwards of several million copies every week in Japan.

The wealth of information in this resource is sure to surprise even the most seasoned pop culture aficionado.

Focusing on the cultural distinctiveness and diversity of the modern world, this six-volume reference is designed to meet the needs of today's multicultural classrooms and libraries.

Thematic organization makes studying a broad range of topics - ranging from film and art to foods and fashions - ideal for students of history and culture.Appealing to a wide range of audiences, the encyclopedia gives readers quick access to the most intriguing countries of the world, all while offering critical insight into the influence of regional pop culture on contemporary societies over the past century.

Each engaging volume in the six-volume set features 15 in-depth chapters covering every crucial aspect of popular culture, including: Architecture; Art; Dance; Love, Sex & Marriage; Fashion & Appearance; Film; Food & Foodways; Games & Hobbies; Literature; Music; Periodicals; Sports; Theater & Performance; and Transportation & Travel.

Beyond reflecting the tastes and attitudes of the people, popular culture provides a lens through which to better understand a culture's customs, value system, and core beliefs.

Each volume features a historical introduction to the region's popular culture in a social, political, and religious context.

Other useful features include a comprehensive resource guide of print, electronic, and organization sources; a full subject index; and lavish color illustrations that document current popular life and culture around the globe.