Key Studies Flashcards
Sugarman
Sugarman claimed that the working classes have a strong sense of fatalism; living in the moment and opting for behaviours which promote instant gratification and immediate pleasure. The middle classes may prefer deferred gratification and the acquisition of larger rewards in the future rather than smaller ones in the short-term.
McLuhan
McLuhan argued that we’re living within a “Global Village” where cultural products are available everywhere, regardless of our location which allows people to consume culture which was previously inaccessible.
Louise Archer
Archer claimed that working class children who have poor educational attainment may opt for the creation of identities through clothing and physical appearance which she termed “Nike Identities.” This refers to the use of Nike apparel in the construction of an identity which replaces their lack of one with regards to intellectual ability and academic achievement.
Hebdige
Hebdige pointed out that subcultures often use “Bricolage” which is a mishmash of randomly assorted objects found within the environment which are fashioned into clothing and other products which are used by the subculture as a form of visual identification.
Bernstein
Bernstein argued that middle class children use Elaborate Language Codes which are complex, academic terminology which conveys a sense of understanding and intellect. The working classes use Restrictive Language Codes which are largely simplistic, slang vocabulary which doesn’t demonstrate understanding but relates predominantly to their lack of cultural experiences and knowledge gained through awareness of the world.
Mike Savage
Mike Savage coined the term “Precariat” to describe people who worked zero-hours contracts, lived in cramped accommodation and had an unstable financial position. This left them ripe for economic exploitation by avaricious businesses and governments who hoped to profit from their deprivation and relative poverty within society.
Bordieu
Bordieu claimed that the middle and upper classes have Cultural Capital; a high level of knowledge and understanding about the world, culture and its societies which gives them an intellectual boost and greater awareness than their working class peers.
Ritzer
Ritzer argued that societies were succumbing to McDonaldisation whereby the characteristics of a fast-food restaurant became integrated into people’s way of life. Standardisation, reliability and lack of choice permeate into cultures which reduces their authenticity and threaten the uniqueness of societies and their traditional practices.
The easiest example would be food; restaurants become absorbed by McDonald’s outlets and other fast food locations which overwhelm the local cultures enjoyment of classic dishes.
Althusser
Althusser argued that education was an ideological state apparatus which could be used by the government to perpetuate a culturally hegemonic perspective. This would lower the working classes awareness of their exploitation whilst promoting the notion that the upper classes are superior through subliminal messaging and symbolic images.
