Media

Question 1

Brief explanation of Marxism

Answer 1

Media supports the economic base controlled by the bourgeoise.

Question 2

Role of ideology

Answer 2

• The media helps the ruling class as it gives off ideology.
• Inequalities come from the way that CAPITALISM functions.
• Media helps create FALSE CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS amongst working class.
• This challenges the exploitative system.

Question 3

Marxists are opposed to the mainstream media because….

Answer 3

• They believe it helps to maintain an unfair society

* Stops people from thinking critically

Question 4

The Capitalist State Society

What does Miliband say about the media…

Answer 4

• Ruling class use the media to control society by creating a false picture of reality that presents capitalism in a positive way.
• As a result, the proletariat accept capitalist values even though they don’t interest their class.

Question 5

How do Marxists believe the media represent social class?

Answer 5

• Media companies are owned by ruling class so, is shaped in their view.
• Ruling class are presented as trustworthy and deserving.
Working class presented as feckless, ignorant and undeserving.

Question 6

How would Neo-Marxists criticise Marxist perspective?

Answer 6

• Only focuses on social class and ignores other forms of inequality (gender, ethnicity)

Question 7

How would feminists criticise the Marxist perspective?

Answer 7

• Doesn’t take in to account other factors like gender representations.
• Fails to take into account roles by some in the media who present social groups positively. Women and ethnic minority journalists have done so but doesn’t get shown.

Question 8

How would Pluralists criticise the Marxist perspective?

Answer 8

• Ignores wide and varied ranges of representations of those in critical power in groups in society.
• Increasing diversity and choice of forms of media are evidence that representations do not conform to narrow stereotypes.

Question 9

How would Post-Modernists criticise the Marxist perspective?

Answer 9

• It is increasingly difficult to identify specific groups in society, as boundaries between them have been blurred.
• Social class is no longer important and there is no clear way of identifying members.