A performance culture is defined as a set of values or norms that is adopted within a group of people that ultimately leads to more success within the community. Within the new democratic system, it is reported that a new sense of “performance culture” amongst the citizens arose and increased from previous government systems within Athens. This means that as Democracy brought freedom to the people, they discovered the freedoms of engaging and indulging in new activities. With this, more and more citizens became focused on the pleasure of music, art, theatre, and dance along with personal gain and climbing the social ladder. The newfound passion for art within ancient Athens brought more unity with society as we see town gatherings, plays, art events, and more. Additionally, a newfound performance culture implemented a new set of “norms” within society. This increased performance culture and the unity it brought can be seen as one of the pros of the Ancient Athenian Democracy. While many members still opposed it, the unity and freedom it brought changed the lives of many. Through the new emphasis on areas of art, theatre, music, and self-gain, a new set of norms was implemented into society.
Goldhill, Simon. Performance Culture and Athenian Democracy. Google Scholar, Cambridge Univ. Press, 2004, books.google.com/books?id=oP48SJh28wcC&lpg=PP9&ots=W_zFKfQyT9&dq=end%20of%20athenian%20democracy&lr&pg=PA15#v=onepage&q=end%20of%20athenian%20democracy&f=false.