the definite article "the" again

[bobo95]

Hi,
Can anyone please explain why in the first sentence below "modern business culture" is used with zero article, whereas in the second one it is used with the definite article "the". I would like to learn in particular whether the native ear sense a difference in meaning in these two cases. To me, it seems that in the usage with "the", the adjective "modern" is emphasized. Is that right?

Thank you very much for your help.

"Shank examines the growth of the greeting card industry and how modern business culture came to structure the language of emotion and affiliation in America between 1840 and 1960."


"After more than a century of suit wearing, the modern business culture seems to have rejected the traditional outfit of achievement and have opted for an intentionally laid-back look."

 

[emsr2d2]

In the second example, "the" is optional in my opinion.

 

[bhaisahab]

In the second example, "the" is optional in my opinion.

I would go so far as to say that it's unnatural with it.

 

[konungursvia]

I agree. It sounds as if it was written between the world wars by a German professor of English.