Representations:Class Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the four categories that social class falls into?
Working/under class
Middle class
Upper class
Monarchy
Who are the underclass?
•People in situations of poverty
•Causes/consequences rarely explored
How does the media celebrate hierarchy + wealth?
The upper class are shown as highly deserving, well-bred and superior.
How are the middle class depicted?
Concerned about manners, decency and social responsibility.
What extent are the middle class represented to?
Overly represented
How do pluralists argue the representations of the rich are justified?
- Media portrayal is representative of meritocracy.
2.Motivation for lower class to work harder.
3.Focus on finance, stocks and shares and rejects the importance of these sectors.
How is the upper class portrayed?
Eccentric and idolised
What are some media examples that focus on the middle class?
News, current affairs, sitcom families
What are the 4 main stereotypes for the working class?
1.Dumb/stupid
2.Troublesome and a source of conflict
3.Living in a romanticised community
4.White trash/chavs
How are the under class represented in the media according to Newman?
As a statistic
What does Newman (2006) say about the middle class?
Media focuses positively on them with the consumer items shown as being desirable.
Examples of the media which exemplifies the idea the upper class are superior and well bred.
Downtown abbey and Made in Chelsea
Why are the monarchy seen as newsworthy?
They are an image of nation values.
How would Marxists say the bourgeoisie benefits?
The proletariat is exploited into thinking they need material goods?
What is an example of how the underclass are portrayed in the media?
Th Jeremy Kyle show-mocks and ridicules them
How is materialism shown?
The promotion of desirable items that are largely unnecessary.
How did Nairn (1988) say about the monarchy?
They rebranded as the Royal Family to reflect a similar dynamic to its citizens
How are media representations of the monarchy changing?
The media has been more critical of the royal family e.g the Prince Andrew scandal
How would functionalists say that the proletariat being exploited aligns with the organic analogy?
Businesses are funded which helps institutions functioning properly
What does Newman say the media positively focuses on to do with the upper class?
Lifestyle and wealthy
How is symbolic annihilation of the under/working class seen in the media?
The disappearance of Madeleine Mcann (middle class) vs the disappearance of Shannon Matthews (under class) Shannon received far less attention despite both disappearances happening at the same point in time.
