Trash culture refers to a broad category of artistic or entertainment expressions perceived as having a low cultural profile but possessing mass appeal. It encompasses media such as books, films, television shows, local events, and music often criticized for their perceived lack of cultural value, reliance on sensationalism, and focus on commercial success. Emerging from the margins of mainstream culture, trash culture thrives on provocation and transgression, often celebrating the outrageous, the kitschy, and the taboo.

The term, which gained prominence in Western discourse during the 1980s, is often used pejoratively to dismiss material considered vulgar or in poor taste. However, some scholars and critics argue that trash culture offers valuable insights into societal norms, consumer habits, and identity, reflecting the tastes and behaviors of broader audiences. From reality television programs like Keeping Up with the Kardashians to campy cult films and exploitation cinema, trash culture blurs the boundaries between art and commerce, challenging traditional notions of refinement and cultural significance.

Trash culture is characterized by sensationalism, exaggerated themes, and consumer-oriented production. It often appeals to voyeuristic tendencies, with its content shaped to attract audiences through provocative or low-quality material. The term is commonly contrasted with "kitsch," which is tied more closely to artistic endeavors but also involves commercial and consumerist influences.

Trash culture exists at the intersection of wealth and the lack thereof, embodying both excess and scarcity in striking ways. On one hand, it reflects the conspicuous consumption associated with wealth, such as flashy, over-the-top displays of luxury that blur the line between taste and vulgarity. On the other, it emerges from resourcefulness and the repurposing of what society deems disposable, often tied to lower-income communities where creativity thrives amid constraints. This duality reveals a cultural commentary on class dynamics: the wealthy may appropriate "trashy" aesthetics as ironic statements, while those with limited means may be compelled to embrace or transform these elements out of necessity.

Although trash culture and kitsch share some overlap, kitsch often emphasizes aesthetics and imitation of high culture, while trash culture focuses more on accessibility and shock value.

Trash culture is seen as an evolution of consumer behavior, initially associated with lower socioeconomic classes but now permeating all levels of society. It has influenced modern entertainment, such as reality television, tabloid journalism, and pulp fiction, by prioritizing mass appeal over artistic or intellectual merit.

Trash literature refers to written works often considered formulaic or aimed purely at commercial success, such as bestselling romance novels, celebrity gossip magazines, and sensationalist tabloids. These works prioritize sensationalism, melodrama, and provocative themes to captivate readers. Critics argue that trash literature serves as modern adaptations of classic literary themes, reframing them within consumer-driven contexts. Authors like Jackie Collins, dubbed the "Queen of Trash Lit," became synonymous with the genre through her bestselling novels filled with glamour, scandal, and intrigue.

Though often dismissed for lacking artistic merit, trash literature has significantly influenced popular culture and shaped genre fiction.