The Media - theoretical views of media representations Flashcards
What does ‘media representation’ refer to in sociology?
Media representation refers to the way in which media portrays particular groups, communities, experiences, ideas, or topics.
True or False: Media representations can influence public perception and societal norms.
True
Who developed the concept of ‘encoding and decoding’ in media studies?
Stuart Hall
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective suggests that media representations reflect the interests and ideologies of those in power.
Marxist
What is the main focus of the Feminist perspective on media representations?
The Feminist perspective focuses on how media representations reinforce gender stereotypes and contribute to the oppression of women.
Which theory argues that media representations can both reflect and shape cultural norms?
Cultural Studies Theory
True or False: The Postmodern perspective views media as a source of fragmented identities.
True
What do Functionalists believe about media representations?
Functionalists believe that media representations serve to reinforce social norms and values, contributing to social cohesion.
Which term describes the oversimplified and generalized portrayal of a group in the media?
Stereotyping
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a key concern of the Marxist perspective on media representations? A) Class struggle B) Ideological control C) Cultural diversity
C) Cultural diversity
What is the ‘mirror theory’ in relation to media representations?
The ‘mirror theory’ suggests that media reflects reality as it is, without distortion.
True or False: The pluralist perspective argues that media representations are diverse and offer multiple viewpoints.
True
Fill in the blank: According to __________, media representations can create a ‘moral panic’ around certain social issues.
Stan Cohen
What is the relationship between media representations and identity according to Postmodernists?
Postmodernists argue that media representations contribute to the construction and fragmentation of individual identities.
Which group is often underrepresented or misrepresented in media according to sociological studies?
Ethnic minorities
Multiple Choice: Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of media in shaping consumer culture? A) Feminist B) Marxist C) Postmodernist
C) Postmodernist
What is ‘symbolic annihilation’ in the context of media representations?
Symbolic annihilation refers to the absence or trivialization of certain groups in media, leading to their marginalization in society.
True or False: Media representations have no impact on real-world behaviors and attitudes.
False
What is the significance of ‘audience reception’ in media studies?
Audience reception refers to how different viewers interpret media representations based on their own experiences and backgrounds.
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective argues that media representations are a product of historical and cultural context.
Cultural
What role does ideology play in media representations according to the Marxist perspective?
Ideology plays a role in perpetuating the dominant class’s views and interests through media representations.
Multiple Choice: Which term describes the process by which media representations can lead to social change? A) Reinforcement B) Transformation C) Escalation
B) Transformation
What is the main critique of the ‘mirror theory’?
The main critique is that media does not simply reflect reality but actively shapes and constructs it.
True or False: All media representations are equally accurate and unbiased.
False
What do sociologists mean by ‘media framing’?
Media framing refers to the way media presents and structures information to shape audience interpretation.
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective highlights the role of media in promoting consumerism and materialism.
Postmodern
What is the significance of representation for marginalized groups?
Representation is significant for marginalized groups as it affects their visibility, identity, and societal status.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the term ‘hyperreality’? A) A lack of reality B) An exaggerated representation of reality C) A true reflection of reality
B) An exaggerated representation of reality
What is ‘hegemonic representation’?
Hegemonic representation refers to the dominance of certain viewpoints in media that align with the interests of the ruling class.
