Representation Theorists (essential ones) and terminology

Question 1

Stuart Hall Representation theory

Answer 1

Representation is the result of meaning through language and is made by codes

Question 2

Stuart Hall on Stereotypes

Answer 2

Stereotypes = Reduces people to a few traits

Makes excluded groups seem like ‘others’ or different

Question 3

David Gauntlett on Identity

Answer 3

The media provides us with tools that we use to construct our identities

Question 4

David Gauntlett pick and mix theory

Answer 4

The media today offer us a more diverse range of stars, icons and characters from whom we may pick and mix different ideas and personality traits from.

Question 5

Liesbet Van Zoonen Feminist theory

Answer 5

Gender is constructed through discourse and depends on context
Objectification of women is a core part of western culture
How women are represented in media is different to how men are

Question 6

Paul Gilroy Post Colonialism

Answer 6

Colonial views continue to inform contemporary attitudes towards race and ethnicity
Civilisation constructs racial hierarchies and sets up binary oppositions based on otherness

Question 7

Judith Butler Gender Performativity

Answer 7

Identity is constructed
No gender identity behind the expression of gender ( what boys are supposed to be like & vice versa etc)
Performing a gender is not a singular act but a repeated ritual

Question 8

Bell Hooks Feminist Theory

Answer 8

Feminism is a political struggle to end patriarchal oppression
Feminism is a political commitment not a lifestyle choice
Race, class and sex decide the extent to which people are exploited / oppressed

Question 9

What are codes and conventions

Answer 9

Codes are signs which create meaning

Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something

Question 10

Stereotypes and countertypes

Answer 10

A stereotype is a widely held and fixed image or idea of a particular type of person or thing
A countertype is a stereotype that emphasises the good features of that person or thing

Question 11

Ideology

Answer 11

A system of values, attitudes and or beliefs held by a person or group of people

Question 12

Hyperreality

Answer 12

Unable to see the difference between reality and made up reality

Question 13

Binary opposition

Answer 13

A pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning

Question 14

Marginalisation

Answer 14

Treatment of a person, group or concept as insignificant

Question 15

Mass audience

Answer 15

An audience who consume mainstream /popular media

Question 16

Niche audience

Answer 16

Those interested in specialist media that’s less popular / known of

Question 17

Homogenous

Answer 17

Meaning of the same kind / alike

Question 18

Upheld

Answer 18

Confirming, supporting or maintaining an image / idea / concept
E.g - tide ad = upholds stereotype of 50s woman

Question 19

Subverted

Answer 19

To go against a held image / idea / concept

Lauren Lavern subverts the stereotypical housewife

Question 20

CAGE

Answer 20

Class
Age
Gender
Ethnicity

Question 21

Mediation

Answer 21

Getting involved in a dispute in order to solve it

Question 22

Name Propp’s 8 character types

Answer 22

The Villain 
The Hero
The Donor 
The Helper
The Princess 
Her Father 
The dispatcher 
The False Hero