Representations of Class in the Media

Question 1

What is the media gaze via?

Answer 1

• The rich, powerful, upper class media owners

Question 2

What does Jones argue?

Answer 2

The media gives the impression were all middle class, m/c values are the norm and are what everyone should aspire too. This reinforces the fact that the m/c are more important because their values are celebrated.

Question 3

Is class a lifestyle choice or an economic category in the media?

Answer 3

Lifestyle choice

Question 4

Who believes ‘taste’ is a symbol of class identity- and that anyone can construct a m/c identity through what we consume in the media?

Answer 4

Lawler

Question 5

Weltman:

Answer 5

In a range of media entertainment platforms, the w/c are devalued in comparison to the m/c

Question 6

How are the W/C shown?

Answer 6

• Underrepresented and negatively portrayed, failures due to lack of conformity to M/C values

Question 7

What did Curran & Seaton find in relation to W/C representations:

Answer 7

Newspapers that target W/C audiences emphasise human interest stories and disregard public affairs.

Question 8

What are the 4 Stereotypes of the W/C?

Answer 8

• Dumb and Foolish
• Troublemakers
• Romanticised Communities
• Chavs

Question 9

Butsch;

Answer 9

US TV portrays the W/C as Buffoons

Question 10

Shildrick;

Answer 10

Media portrays poverty as an individual failing rather than structural inequality- reinforces m/c values and reduces public sympathy.

Question 11

Jones;

Answer 11

The approach to romanticised communities is idealised and shaped by a m/c perspective.

Question 12

Weltman and Tyler;

Answer 12

The word chav is used to devalue w/c culture, which reinforces m/c superiority.