Representations - Social Class Flashcards
What is the conclusion of Mckendrick et al regarding media coverage of poverty?
Coverage of poverty is marginal and rarely explored.
This indicates a lack of representation of the underclass in mainstream media.
How does Cohen describe the media portrayal of the poor?
The media portray the poor as scroungers, reinforcing the view that they have created their own circumstances.
This suggests a bias that blames the poor for their situation.
What term do Hayward and Yar use to label the poor in the 21st century?
‘Chavs’ is used as an amusing term of abuse to stigmatise young people in poverty.
This reflects a derogatory attitude towards lower socio-economic groups.
What offensive language does Lawler indicate is used to stigmatise the underclass?
Stereotypical clothing and behaviours such as tracksuits, drug use, crime, and benefit fraud.
These portrayals trivialize the real experiences of the underclass.
What is Newman’s observation regarding media representations of the working class?
Very few TV dramas or films focus on the everyday lives of working-class people.
This indicates a lack of authentic representation in media narratives.
According to Jones, what assumptions do journalists make about the working class?
They assume that the working class are feckless and foul-mouthed racists.
This influences how working-class issues are reported in the media.
What do Neo-Marxists claim about the representation of workers and employers?
Workers are represented as difficult and greedy, whereas employers are presented as reasonable.
This reflects a bias in media representations during strike debates.
How does Curran and Seaton describe the representation of the working class in newspapers?
Working class are represented as unintelligent and shallow.
This suggests that media outlets prioritize sensationalism over serious issues.
What positive portrayal of the working class exists in some films according to the evaluation?
Some films attempt to accurately reflect the everyday challenges of the working class, such as ‘Kes’ and ‘Pride’.
This points to a more nuanced representation in certain narratives.
How are middle-class families generally portrayed in TV media?
Middle-class families are portrayed positively and are dominant in representation.
This indicates a bias toward middle-class experiences in media narratives.
What anxieties do middle-class newspapers reflect according to their content?
They suggest that middle-class people are anxious about society’s decline in morals, such as threats from immigration and terrorism.
This reflects societal concerns that are prevalent in media narratives.
What do Neo-Marxists argue about the media’s representation of the upper class?
The mass media represents the upper class positively and celebrates hierarchy and wealth.
This supports the idea that media perpetuates class inequality.
What is the Marxist view on the media’s role in wealth inequality?
The media legitimises and reproduces class inequality by justifying wealth and maintaining false class consciousness.
This critique emphasizes the ideological function of the media.
What example does Nairn provide regarding the media’s interest in the rich?
The monarchy is presented positively and not criticized, with royal events treated as national events.
This exemplifies how media can glamorize wealth and status.
How does Newman describe the over-representation of wealth in the media?
Lifestyles of the rich are over-represented despite being enjoyed by a minority.
This highlights a disconnect between media portrayal and societal realities.
What is the Pluralist perspective on media representations?
Representations are justified because they fit news values, not for ideological purposes.
This view contests Marxist claims of media bias.
Fill in the blank: The media view the UK as a _______.
meritocracy
