Traditional/neg Representations Of The Under c

Question 1

Baumberg et al

Answer 1

• found 29% of new stories referenced fraud in comparison to 0.7% of all benefits claims that are fraudulent
• found common language describing them as undeserving
  Eg, “4M scrounging families in Britain” (media created false narrative that all of those that claim benefits are committing fraud)

Question 2

Golding and Middleton

Answer 2

• moral panics surrounding underclass
• discovered welfare issues were not discussed unless they were connected to other social issues such as crime, fraud or sex
• demonisation of underclass led to justifying cuts in the welfare state funding
  Eg. “Dad at 13” (shows the underclass is involved in fraud, scandals and crime)

Question 3

Price

Answer 3

• poverty porn
• media exploiting underclass in order to shock and entertain audiences
  Eg, benefit street (evidence of individuals being lazy and work shy)