The Media: Representations: Social Class Flashcards
What do neo marxists see as the function of the media?
To ensure cultural hegemony of the dominant class and ensure that inequality and exploitation are not defined as social problems so they do not become the focus of social debate and demand for social change.
Name 4 ways the middle class are represented
- Overrepresented and positive. 2. As critical thinkers. 3. Educated and experts. 4. Functioning families.
Name 4 ways the working class are represented
- Uncritical thinkers. 2. Dumb and stupid buffoons’. 3. Sources of trouble. 4. Living in idealised working class communities.
What did Curran and Seaton say about how the working class are represented?
The newspapers aimed at the working class like the sun presume they want to read about celebrities and gossip, trivial things not current affairs and politics.
What did Newman say about the way working class people are represented?
When the news focuses on the working class it is to label them as a problem for example welfare cheats. They are often the subject of moral panics and are blamed for issues.
What did Butsch say about the way the working class are represented?
Its very unflattering and worth pitying. They are seen as well intentioned individuals but uneducated, immature, incompitent and irresponsible like Homer Simpson.
What did Jones say about how the working class are represented?
Working class community’s are often represented in a positive way, seen as hardworking who have overcome adversity for example EastEnders. However this is a problem as many of these community’s are disappearing due to the decline of traditional industries.
What did the GMG say about the representation of the working class?
Some film representations have become more sympathetic such s I Daniel Blake.
What are 4 ways that the underclass (chavs,) are represented?
- Dangerous. 2. Deserving of abuse 3. Entertaining. 4. Failures
What’s poverty porn?
Shows such as benefit street
What did Lower say about how the underclass are represnted?
The media use the word chav to describe the underclass symbolised by a track suit and bling. This then shows the underclass as dangerous who are criminal and happy to live off benefits.
What did Tyler say about how the underclass are represented?
The word chav has become a common form of middle class abuse of the working class.
What did McKenderick et al suggest about the way the underclass are represnted?
The media coverage of poverty is marginal, and the causes are not explored across the news. Shameless gives a sanitized picture of poverty and Jermey Kyle shows poverty as entertainment. This can also be linked to the idea of poverty porn.
What did Cohen say about how the underclass are represented?
He argues that journalists, actors, artists and entertainers are hopeless at giving a realistic interpretation of what its like to be poor. The media reinforces the idea that people are poor due to their own failures.
What did Jones say about how the underclass is represented?
