MEDIA - Representations of Class in the Media Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

According to Neo-Marxists, what do Media representations of Social Class celebrate? HINT: Hierarchy and Wealth

A

They suggest that Mass-Media representations of Social Class tend to celebrate hierarchy and wealthy!

Those who benefit from these - such as the monarchy, the upper class and the very wealthy in society - generally receive a positive press; they are depicted as celebrities who are (somehow) deserving of their position and, therefore, our respect and admiration!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Give an Example of a Media Idolised Picture of the Ruling Elite!

A

Shows like ‘The Crown’, ‘Downton Abbey’, and ‘Bridgerton’ = These shows represent a rosy and idealised picture of the Ruling Class that is characterised by honour and culture!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What Sociologist says that the Monarchy has the support of most of the Mass Media / has converted people to its cause?

A

Nairn!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

(NARIN) What does Nairn note about the Royal Family? HINT: Lack of opposition, until recently!

A

They note that the monarchy has successfully converted much of the Modern Mass Media to its cause.

Until fairly recently, it was rare to see any criticism of this institution or the individuals in it - AKA: Prince Andrew and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the doctored photo of Princess Kate!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What caused a National Obsession with the Royal Family? HINT: A makeover after WW2!

A

After WW2, the monarchy (with the help of the media) reinvented itself as a ‘Royal Family’ with a cast of characters, not unlike our own families, who stood for national values, such as ‘niceness’, ‘decency’ and ‘ordinariness’.

This makeover resulted in a national obsession with the Royal Family, which was reflected in media coverage that positively focused on every trivial detail of their loves; they turned the Queen and her family into an ongoing narrative or soap story, but with a glamour and mystique that is greater than any other media personality - This is evident in shows, such as ‘The Crown’!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What did the Mass Media Representations of the Queen aim to do? HINT: A symbol of National Identity!

A

Mass-media representations of the Queen are also aimed at reinforcing a sense of national identity, in that she is portrayed as the ultimate symbol of the nation. The media also regard royal events, such as weddings, births and funerals, as national events that should be celebrated.

This is now reserved for the King!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What Sociologist argues that the Media focuses on the lifestyle of the Wealthy and the Privileged very positively?

A

Newman!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

(NEWMAN) What does he suggest about Media representations of the Wealthy and Privileged? HINT: Positive + Consumerism Focus!

A

He argues that the media focuses optimistically on the lifestyles of the Rich and Wealthy - He says that the media focus too heavily on consumer items, such as luxury cars, costly holiday spots and fashion accessories that only wealthy people can afford = This leads to conspicuous consumption; whereby people consume goods in order to try and increase their social status and their social mobility!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

(NEWMAN) What does he argue that the News focuses on, instead of highlighting the Inequalities of Capitalism? HINT: The Media positives represents those with Wealth!

A

He states that the media rarely focus on the inequalities and the unfairness of capitalism, such as the size of bankers’ bonuses, the fact that top business people are rewarded with huge pay-offs for failure or the growing divide between the rich and the poor in society.

The news focuses on the positive representations of the wealthy, such as the Royal Family and the prosperous stocks and shares that many businessmen invest into.

The media focuses positively on the lifestyles of the rich and privileged. They rarely focus on the inequalities of capitalism or the divide between the rich and the poor –> As seen with Shows like ‘Amazing Hotels’!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

(NEWMAN) What did he identify about Print and Broadcast Media? HINT: Large focus on stocks!

A

He found that there is a large amount of print and broadcast media that is dedicated to daily business news and stock market quotations, despite the fact that a few people in the UK actually own stocks and shares!

Therefore, these Print and Broad Sheets focus on engaging with a Wealthy audience!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

According to Pluralists, what are the 3 ways in which the representations of the Rich - and their lifestyles - are justified? HINT: Meritocracy, Competition and Motivation + Democratic Mirror!

A
  1. The media view the UK as a meritocratic society and the media portrayal of the wealthy are actually representative of the idea that talented people are deserving of high rewards, because they have talent and have worked hard - MERITOCRACY!
  2. Such stories may motivate people to work hard in the belief that they can attain these rewards and benefit the economy - COMPETITION AND MOTIVATION!
  3. The focus on finance, stocks and shares may reflect the importance of these sectors for the economy - DEMOCRATIC MIRROR!
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the 4 ways in which the Middle Class are represented in the Media? HINT: Manners and Respectability; Material Goods and Consumers; ‘Middle England’; Educated!

A
  • The middle class are over-represented on TV and the working-class are underrepresented. In TV dramas, apart from soaps and situation comedies, middle-class families are predominant and they are generally portrayed as concerned about manners, decency, social respectability etc –> MANNERS AND RESPECTABILITY!
  • A lot of British newspapers, such as the Daily Mail and the Daily telegraph - and magazines - are aimed at middle-class consumers’ tastes and interests in material goods, such as music, cars, houses and gardens; these items can only be afforded by those with a good and strong standard of living –> MATERIAL GOODS AND CONSUMERS!
  • The content of newspapers, such as the Daily Mail, suggests that journalists believe that the middle classes of ‘Middle England’ are more anxious about the decline of moral standards in society and they feel threatened by immigration, the euro and terrorism - Anti-permissiveness (as seen in the 60s and 70s with Mary Whitehouse) –> ‘MIDDLE ENGLAND’!
  • Most of the creative personnel in the media are middle class! In news and current affairs, the middle classes dominate positions of authority - the ‘expert’ is the middle class (links to Hall and the hierarchy of credibility) –> EDUCATED!
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

TRUE OR FALSE: The Middle-Class are OVER-REPRESENTED in the Media, in comparison to the Working-Class!

A

TRUE!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What Sociologist speaks about ‘Liberal Bigotry’?

A

Jones!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

(JONES) What does he argue that the Media coverage of Working-Class people may lead to? HINT: Middle-Class attacks on Working-Class people + ‘Liberal Bigotry’!

A

He argues that the media coverage of working-class people constitutes and creates a middle-class assault on working-class values, institutions and communities.

He claims that many middle-class journalists suffer from ‘liberal bigotry’ - this is whereby they assume that all working-class people are feckless, promiscuous, foul-mouthed racists who hate minority ethnic groups, refugees and multiculturalism.

However, the reporting of issues, such as poverty, unemployment and single / lone-parent families, suggests personal inadequacy, rather than government policies or poor business practices, is the main cause of these social problems - A very conservative and right-realist approach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

(JONES) What TV show is a good example to analyse when speaking about Jones? HINT: The Catherine Tate Show!

A

He focuses on the demonisation of the working-class. Media gives the impression that we are all middle class now; working classes are represented as deviants or figures of fun. Working-class individuals are presented as racists, foul-mouthed, feckless, as seen with Catherine Tate Show & Lauren skits (‘Am I bothered?’)!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the definition of ‘Liberal Bigotry’?

A

Whereby Journalists assume that all Working-Class people are feckless, promiscuous, foul-mouthed racists who hate minority ethnic groups, refugees and multiculturalism –> ‘Middle England’!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What Sociologist/s argued that Newspapers aimed at Working-Class people assume that they are Uninterested in serious political stories and events?

A

Curran and Seaton!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

(CURRAN AND SEATON) What do they argue in regards to Newspapers aimed at the Working-Classes? HINT: They ‘dumb-down’ politics and believe they just want Celeb Gossip!

A

They suggest that newspapers aimed at working-class audiences assume that they are uninterested in serious analysis of either the political or social organisation of UK society.

Political debates are often reduced to simplistic conflicts between personalities. The content of newspapers, such as ‘The Sun’ and the ‘Daily Star’ assume that such audiences want to read about celebrity gossip and lifestyles, trivial human interest stories and sport.

20
Q

How do Marxists explain the Representation of the Working-Class? HINT: Distraction!

A

Marxists see such media content as an attempt to DISTRACT the working-class audience from the inequalities of capitalism.

21
Q

How do Pluralists explain the Representation of the Working-Class? HINT: Democratic Mirror and Market Model!

A

Pluralists argue that this is what tabloid newspaper readers want: the roof of the pudding lies in the sales of these newspapers - DEMOCRATIC MIRROR and MARKET MODEL!

EG: In 2013, just under 13.5 million people read ‘The Sun’ or ‘The Sun on Sunday’, either in print or online every week; this can be contrasted to the ‘Daily Mail’, which attracts 12 million readers across its daily and Sunday print titles and the Mail Online!

22
Q

What Examples are there of Media Representations of the Working-Class being Sympathetic? HINT: Name as many as you can; there are 5 Examples here!

A
  • ‘Saturday Night and Sunday Morning’ (1960) - Film
  • ‘Kes’ (1969) - Film
  • ‘Our Friends in the North’ (1996) - TV Drama
  • ‘The Full Monty’ (2010) - Film
  • ‘Pride’ (2014) - Film

These have portrayed the working-class life and problems in a dignified, realistic and supportive way, and even commented upon and challenged social inequality, class exploitation and racial intolerance.

23
Q

What did McKendrick et al argue? HINT: The coverage of poverty in UK media is marginal!

A

They studied a week’s output of mainstream media in 2007; they concluded that coverage of poverty is marginal in the UK media. The causes and consequences of poverty are very rarely explored through the news, documentaries or drama.

24
Q

What did Cohen argue? HINT: The UK media either ignores poverty and those suffering due to capitalism, or it Villifies them!

A

He argues that the UK mass media is so concerned about ‘trumpeting the good fortune’ of British capitalism that it pays less attention to its ‘casualties’.

He says that the media reinforces the popular and mass view that the poor are poor because of their own depravity and weakness; the media fails to see the connection between deprivation and wealth!

25
Q

(COHEN) What did he argue in regards to Journalists and there portrayal of the Working-Class and the Poor in Society? HINT: It is dramatised and misleading and can lead to people being Vilified!

Give an Example of a TV show that Vilifies the Working-Class!

A

He also argues that journalists, entertainers and artists are hopeless at realistically reporting or dramatising the plight of the poor; he says that some sections of the media actually revel in the suffering of the poor, as they commission shows that deliberately portray the poor as ‘parasitic scroungers’, as seen with shows like ‘Benefit Street’!

26
Q

What Sociologist/s argued that the media use the label ‘Chav’ as a discriminatory and offensive term in the Media?

A

Shildrick and MacDonald!

27
Q

(SHILDRICH AND MACDONALD) What Labels do they argue the Media uses to negatively stereotype the Working-Class? HINT: ‘Chavs’!

What 2 other Sociologists looked into the use of the label ‘Chav’?

A

They looked into the use of the Media in labelling some sections of the poor ‘chavs’ and ‘shirkers’ = They suggest that this is another way of suggesting that the poor are undeserving of public sympathy, kindness and respect.

Hayward and Yar argue that the label ‘chav’ is now used by newspapers and websites as a familiar and amusing term of abuse for young poor people - People find using this offensive term funny!

28
Q

What is the effect of the representation of the Working-Class in the Media? HINT: Social Stigmatisation!

What Sociologist looks into this?

A

Lawler argues that the media use this discriminatory and offensive language to vilify and socially stigmatise what they depict as a peasant ‘Underclass’ or ‘White Trash’; this is symbolised by stereotypical forms of appearance, such as wearing tracksuits, idleness, fraudulent benefit claims, anti-social behaviour, drug use and criminality.

These media representations neutralise any public concern or sympathy for their social and economic plight = People do not care if they suffer, as seen with the representation on shows like ‘Benefit Street’!

29
Q

What is the definition of Social Stigmatisation?

A

This term refers to extreme disapproval of (or discontent with) a person or group because of their behaviour or characteristics This often results in a negative label or stigma being attached to them, which serves to distinguish them from other members of society.

30
Q

What is the purpose of the Media Representation of Poverty, according to Marxists? HINT: Reproduce and Legitimise Inequality; people suffer because they have failed themselves, not the capitalist system has failed them!

A

Media representations of the powerful - the upper class and the middle class - tends to be more positive than the representations of the less powerful working class and the poor.

Marxists would argue that this is because the mass media are an ideological agency (act as an ISA - Althusser) that functions to maintain, legitimise and reproduce class inequalities and to bring about a state of false class consciousness in those who occupy the bottom (the ‘underclass’) of society. Profit and wealth need to be justified as deserved (when in reality they are the product of the capitalist class’ exploitation of labour) whereas media representations of poverty serve to suggest that this economic status (of being poor, that is) is self-inflicted rather than caused by the capitalist system!

31
Q

What do Pluralists argue about the Representation of Social Class? HINT: Democratic Mirror and Market Model!

A

Pluralists argue that these representations reflect the reality of capitalist society (Democratic Mirror); they are reported because they fit the news values of what is newsworthy and that, if working-class people did not like it, then they would not invest in the types of media in which these representations are found (Market Model)!

32
Q

Summarise how the MONARCHY are represented in the Media!

A

Portrayed and represented as wealthy and powerful; seen as positive and respected; Narin - The monarchy have converted the masses to support them after WW2; The Royal Family were portrayed as ‘just like us’; until recently, it was rare that they would be criticised; reinforcing the image and symbol of the nation (Functionalism - Shared norms and values)!

33
Q

Summarise how the WEALTHY are represented in the Media!

A

Seen as deserving of their wealth and prosperous; they have worked hard in a meritocratic society - Newman; media focuses on consumer goods! Lifestyles of the wealthy is focused on and maintained with shows such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Housewives of Beverly Hills, Made in Chelsea; focus on consumer goods → Create conspicuous consumption (Marxism - Marcuse = People consume to give themselves a status)!

34
Q

Summarise how the MIDDLE CLASSES are represented in the Media!

A

They are over-represented; seen to care about manners and decency and social respectability; Newspapers target middle class tastes, such as the Daily Mail - focus on music, cars and gardening! Hegemonic = Predominantly Middle-class journalists accidentally preach their own views from their background.

35
Q

Summarise how the WORKING CLASS are represented in the Media!

A

Curran and Seaton; the working-class are uninterested in the media (they do not care about politics, they care about personalities and celebs); Jones - The working-class suffer from ‘liberal bigotry’ from the middle-class; they are portrayed as racists, foul-mouthed etc, such as Benefit Street = Acts as a distraction to capitalism and exploitation; creates class conflict (both intra and between classes)! Seen as negative and feckless (news values)!

36
Q

Summarise how the POOR are represented in the Media!

A

Unrepresented in the media; social stigmatisation (‘chavs’ etc - Shildrick and MacDonald) - They self-inflict their poverty onto themselves (they have failed in the meritocratic system); Cohen argues that the poor are used to make profit - They are portrayed as undeserving of sympathy!

37
Q

How does Ownership affect the Representation of Different Class Groups in the Media?

A

Mainstream media’s gaze filters representations through the eyes of the rich and powerful. This results in:

  • More favourable stereotypes of upper and middle classes
  • Over representation of upper and middle classes
  • Working classes in more restricted roles
38
Q

What do PLURALISTS say regarding how Class is represented in the Media?

A

DEMOCRATIC MIRROR - The media representations of working-class people as the ‘underclass’ in society and the praise for middle and upper class people reflects what people ultimately believe in the capitalist society.

MARKET MODEL - If people did not agree with what the newspapers were saying, than they would not buy it and businesses would collapse. However, as people are indulging in newspapers, such as the Daily Mail, which negatively stereotypes working-class people as ‘scroungers’, it shows that there are people in society who do enjoy and consume this type of media representation.

39
Q

What do HEGEMONIC MARXISTS say regarding how Class is represented in the Media?

A

JOURNALISTS AND EDITORS - Mostly are white, middle-class individuals; they accidentally preach the hegemonic view in society, due to their background and upbringing. They suggest that middle-class people worked hard to get their money (the myth of meritocracy) - They promote wealth and people who have it, such as the Royal Family, whilst attacking individuals who are seen as ‘benefit scroungers’.

40
Q

What do INSTRUMENTAL MARXISTS say regarding how Class is represented in the Media?

A

A DISTRACTION - They purposely represent the working-class as ‘uneducated’, especially by aiming newspapers and topics, such as celebrity gossip, to them in easy-to-read papers, like The Sun. Negative stereotyping of working-class people may lead to intra-class violence and acts as a distraction from capitalism → Marcuse: ‘Bread and circuses’!

Reproduce class inequalities and reinforce the false class consciousness of the working-class, in order to allow for the domination of capitalism and the bourgeoisie.

41
Q

What do FEMINISTS say regarding how Class is represented in the Media?

A

MAINTAIN THE PATRIARCHY - Negative portrayal of working-class women, especially of working-class mothers and those who are suggested to be on benefits or are lone-parents → As New Right sociologist Murray would describe them: ‘the underclass’!

42
Q

What do POSTMODERNISTS say regarding how Class is represented in the Media?

A

CITIZEN JOURNALISTS AND NEW MEDIA - Citizen journalists are still mostly middle-class individuals, as they have the time, money, education and resources in order to be able to have this role, whilst working-class people are deprived of these resources - Suggests that working-class people lack representing themselves and getting their own voices heard!

MEDIA SATURATION - There is a wide range of ways that the different classes have been portrayed and some have been more positive than others, including shows like ‘Made in Dagenham’ and ‘The Full Monty’!

43
Q

How does OWNERSHIP link to how Class is represented in the Media?

A

Bagdikian = 6 media companies own 90% of the media → Mostly white, middle-class men! This can lead to negative stereotyping of working-class individuals!

JOURNALIST ETHICS - Not a lot of journalists come from a working-class background; many have been brought up using negative language regarding working-class people (such as the idea that they are ‘scroungers’) -

AGENDA-SETTING = Working-class people are seen as uninteresting and are devalued by the media; instead, focus is put onto wealthy individuals and the Royal Family, as seen with recent events regarding Kate Middleton and the alleged scandal over an edited photograph!

44
Q

How does NEW MEDIA link to how Class is represented in the Media?

A

NEW MEDIA TECH - Spread of new media technology has allowed for more positive representations of both working-class and middle-class individuals, such as with the TV drama ‘Our Friends in the North’!

People can get trapped into echo chambers that produce a certain ideology for them - For middle-class people, this can often make them trapped in a perspective where they begin to idolise the monarchy and discriminate against the working-class!

ACTIVE PARTICIPATORY CULTURE - Participatory culture has allowed people from different classes and ‘walks of life’ to share their own experiences online!

45
Q

How does NEWS SELECTION AND PRESENTATION link to how Class is represented in the Media?

A

NEWS VALUES (Galtung and Ruge) = Negativity → Working-class individuals are often portrayed as undeserving of wealth; they are shamed for being poor and they are told that it is their fault - They are discriminated against with harmful language, such as ‘chavs’!

The causes and consequences of poverty for working-class people in British media is often never explained or delved into; working-class people are often portrayed as marginalised individuals in society or they are vilified by the media! → This can be seen with the influence of ‘clickbait’ videos, especially on Youtube and TikTok, where people say that they are going to be going up to homeless people on the street and giving them money.

46
Q

How does GLOBALISATION AND CULTURE link to how Class is represented in the Media?

A

The influence of globalisation has allowed for new TV shows and films to emerge and be created that portray different classes in unique ways → Hybrid culture (Flew)!

HYBRIDITY - Spread of different cultures depicts the differences in the disparity of wealth in different countries between the working-class and the middle-class.