Social Influence Flashcards
(13 cards)
How does the guardian use media language to covet its ideological stance?
Main headline focuses on political accountability, critiquing Boris Johnson amidst the Partygate scandal. Use of serious, formal language emphasises The Guardians commitment to holding power to account.
Theory: fairclough- the language choices reinforce The guardians identity as a critical, independent voice, highlighting its commitment to exposing government misconduct.
Front page features a prominent image of Boris Johnson, looking stressed or under pressure- reinforcing the notion of a leader under scrutiny. Balanced layout with clear sections for international news, politics, and culture, reflecting a structured, serious news source.
Theory: Barthes (semiotics)- the visual representation of Johnson as embattled is a symbolic code, suggesting he is losing control or credibility.
Visual language and layout
Front page features a prominent image as Boris Johnson, looking stressed or under pressure- reinforcing the notion of a leader under scrutiny. Balanced layout with clear sections for international news, politics, and culture, reflecting a structured, serious news source.
Theory: Barthes semiotics- the visual representation of Johnson as embattled is a symbolic code, suggesting he is loosing control or credibility.
How does the guardian target its audience?
The primary story, Partygate aligns with the guardian’s liberal, politically engaged readership, presenting a detailed, investigative perspective on government corruption. Detailed factual reporting appeals to a well educated, socially conscious audience seeking accountability.
Theory: Curran and seaton- the guardian prioritises public interest stories, adhering to its social responsibility model rather than sensationalism
Secondary stories highlight climate change and social inequality, aligning with The Guardian s emphasis on progressive issues. Includes calls for action and environmental awareness, targeting readers who align with self leaning, activist causes.
Theory: Livingston and Lunt- The Guardian positions itself as a protector of public interest, advocating for climate action and social justice.
How does the guardian represent different social groups?
Working class. Highlights how the Partygate scandal was perceived by working class families struggling during lockdown, creating a contrast between elite politicians and ordinary citizens.
Theory: hall representation- The Guardian constructs ordinary people as victims of political corruption, emphasising the power imbalance between politicians and the public
Gender representation: features a column by a prominent female journalist, discussing the impact of government policies on women and children, reflecting a commitment to intersectional analysis
Theory: hooks intersectionality- The Guardian amplifies diverse voices, using intersectional perspectives to critique government neglect
How do representations in the guardian reflect it’s ideological stance
The PARTYGATE coverage is framed as a betrayel of public Trust, aligning with the guardians liberał critical stance against the conservative government. Includes expert analysis and opinion pieces that question Johnson’s leadership, reflecting a progressive, reformist ideology.
Theory: curren and seaton: the guardian functions as a challenger to political power, reinforcing its role as a watchdog against right wing politics
Stories on climate change and economic inequality frame these issues as urgent, systemic problems, aligning with The Guardians focus on activism and progressive reform.
Theory: livingstone and Lunt- by emphasising activism, The Guardian promotes civic engagement, positioning itself as a moral, ethical media brand.
How does The Guardian use visual and written language to influence its audience?
Johnson is positioned front and centre, appearing harassed and pressured, visually framing him as flawed, embattled leader. Use of serious unflattering images emphasises his loss of authority influencing audience perception.
Theory: Barthes semiotics- Johnson’s visual representation is a coded symbol of corruption, aligning with the newspaper’s critical stance
Headline use direct, assertive language, such as “Johnson faces pressure to resign” creating a sense of urgency and accountability.
Theory: fairclough- the language constructs a narrative of power and consequence, aligning with The Guardians ideological mission to challenge authority.
What impact does the sun aim to have on its audience?
By focusing on celebrity gossip and feel good stories. The sun provides a distraction from the pandemic, positioning itself so a source of entertainment rather than serious news.
Theory: gerbner cultivation- repeated focus on entertainment and celebrity culture cultivates a passive audience, reinforcing a preference for light news over serious issues.
Pro monarchy stories and royal family coverage aim to foster national pride, aligning with The suns conservative values.
Theory: Dyer- the monarchy is constructed as a symbol of unity and stability, positioning The Sun as a protector of traditional British values.
How does the sun use media language to attract its audience?
Headline and tone: bold, sensationalist language, focusing on celebrity gossip and New Year’s parties.
Theory: fairclough- informal tone positions The sun as relatable and accessible
Visual language: bright colours, bold fronts, and celebrity images create a sense of excitement and escapism.
Theory: Barthes- visual codes for glamour and entertainment align with its tabloid style
How does The Sun target its audience?
Celebrity focus: stories on New Year’s parties and celebrity drama, targeting a working class, entertainment focused audience.
Theory: Curran and seston- profit driven content appeals to the mass market.
Escapism: emphasis on feel good stories and humour, offering relief from pandemic news.
Theory: shirky- audience positioned as passive consumers of light content
How are social groups represented in the sun
Working class: depicts celebrity lifestyles as aspirational, reinforcing a focus on wealth and success.
Theory: hall- constructs the working class as entertainment focussed and disengaged from serious news
Gender: woman are objectified through sexualised images, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
Theory: van zoonen portrays woman as objects of visual pleasure, maintaining the male gaze.
How does the sun reflect it’s ideological stance
Pro monarchy, conservative: features positive royal stories, reinforcing national pride and tradition.
Theory: Curran and seaton- conservative agenda, promoting British values
Anti lockdown tone: critiques pandemic restrictions as excessive, aligning with its anti-establishment stance.
Theory: hall- frames the government as out of touch with ordinary people
How does the sun use language and imagery to influence its audience?
Visual language: bold, eye catching images of celebrities, suggesting a party atmosphere despite lockdowns.
Theory: Barthes- images act as codes for escapism, downplaying serious issues
Written language: puns, slang and direct address create a friendly, informal tone, appealing to a mass market audience
Theory: fairclough- language reduces news complexity, positioning the sun as entertaining and accessible.
What impact does the sun aim to have?
Distraction and escapism: focus on celebrity gossip and entertainment offers a break from serious news, attracting a passive audience
Theory: uses and gratification theory audience seek media in order to escape from every day life, which grips a disengaged audience.
Nationalism and patriotism: pro monarchy stories reinforce national pride, aligning with its conservative values.
Theory: dyer- constructs the monarchy as symbols of stability and tradition.
