BIG ISSUE SOCIAL, HISTORICAL, POLITICAL CONTEXT

Question 1

Economic Context?

Answer 1

Social enterprise model (a buisness that primarliy focuses on tackling social or enviromental problems whilst also generating profit)

Legitimised micro-enterprise model (tax-free income, no licensing barriers–no need for permits)

Recession sensitivity (sales decrease when disposable income shrinks. Response- digital arm)

Big Issue also activley lobbies goverment for change

Question 2

Political context- neoliberalism and Thatcherism (1980s)

Answer 2

Magazine was founded in 1991 as a non-govermental response to rising homeless–a result of Thatcher’s neo-liberal policies which emphaises free-market economy, privitisation, gutting benefits and welfare system.

(combines enterprise with social justice)

Question 3

Political context (goverment attititudes towards the homeless)

Answer 3

Rough sleepers are criminalised via vagrancy laws, Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) institutes fines for rough sleeping.

Big Issue promotes self-reliance through the vendor model (appeals to both liberal and conservative audiences)

Question 4

Cultural context (cultural discourse that the BI engages and responds to)

Answer 4

Climate of anti-sexism

Climate of pluralism (increased awareness/sympathy towards problems of marginalised, minority groups)

Celebrity culture (BI features celebs, pop culture to bridge mainstream and alternative media- hybrid style attracts a wider audience)