4.5 media representations - social class

Question 1

How are the UC typically represented?

Answer 1

• often seen in nostalgic representations which paint a rosy picture of a time where Britain was “great”

Question 2

What are some examples of the representation of the UC?

Answer 2

• Pride and Prejudice
• A Room with a View
• The King’s Speech
• Downton Abbey

Question 3

How are the monarchy and the very wealthy typically represented?

Answer 3

• they receive a positive press - as celebrities who are somehow deserving of their position

Question 4

What does Nairn argue about the representation of the monarchy?

Answer 4

• the monarchy was reinvented as the ‘Royal Family’ after WW2 and presented as an ongoing soap opera
• it wasn’t until the death of Diana, that the queen started to receive some criticism from the press

Question 5

How does Reiner and Young argue wealth is represented?

Answer 5

• the media tends to represent the UK as a meritocratic society, in which intelligence, talent and hard-work are rewarded

Question 6

What does Newman argue about the representation of wealth?

Answer 6

• tabloid media dedicate a great deal of their content to examining the lives of another section of the wealthy elite i.e. celebs and their lavish lifestyles
• the focus on consumer lifestyle means the wealthy are revered as they live glamourous lifestyles