STEPHEN GOSSON'S THE SCHOOL OF ABUSE: A LENS ON MORALITY IN MODERN BOLLYWOOD SONGS
Description
ABSTRACT Stephen Gosson's The School of Abuse (1579) critiques the moral and social implications of entertainment forms, particularly theater, during the Elizabethan era. This paper examines its relevance to contemporary cinemas focusing on lyrics and themes from popular Bollywood songs and web content. The analysis highlights parallels between Gosson's concerns over morality and the ethical debates surrounding provocative lyrics and content in modern media. This discussion emphasizes the evolving responsibilities of media creators and audiences in shaping cultural ethos. The paper also explores the role of media as a powerful tool for both reinforcing and challenging societal norms. While Gosson’s criticisms were rooted in the belief that entertainment should align with moral virtues, contemporary discussions suggest a more complex relationship between entertainment, education, and social influence. By analyzing the impact of modern media, particularly Bollywood songs the paper seeks to understand how these forms of entertainment both reflect and shape cultural values in an age of digital connectivity and global influence. It further raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of creators and their capacity to influence public perception in an increasingly interconnected world. Keywords: Stephen Gosson, The School of Abuse, cinema, Bollywood songs, moral critique, media ethics. SAMPLE The sample data taken from 50 students of Sandip University comprising male and female both of different departments through semi-structured interview. RESEARCH TOOL Semi-structured interviews with students