Social Class Representations Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What has sociological research identified about media representations of the working class?

They are portrayed in a negative light.

They embrace a nostalgic perspective. (correct)

They are frequently seen as successful.

There is no representation of working class.

Who presented evidence for both continuity and change in media representations of working class characters in Eastenders?

Dodd and Dodd 1992

According to Newman, how are working class characters often portrayed?

Realistically in sitcoms.

In an unflattering or pitying light. (correct)

As successful individuals.

In a positive light.

What categories do working class people fall into according to Devereux?

Positive portrayals of 'happy' and 'deserving poor', and negative images of those on welfare benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sitcom known for its realistic portrayal of a working class family?

The Royle Family Signup and view all the answers

What does Owen Jones argue about the term 'chav'?

'Chav' represents condemning working class people. Signup and view all the answers

What do Golding and Middleton argue regarding underclass media representations?

They are almost universally negative. Signup and view all the answers

Price 2014 labelled programmes like 'Benefit Street' as ______.

poverty porn Signup and view all the answers

Middle class representations in media are argued to be under-representative.

False Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxists argue about media representations of the middle class?

They promote ruling class ideology. Signup and view all the answers

What do pluralists believe about middle class media representations?

They accurately reflect media consumers' perceptions of society. Signup and view all the answers

Why are upper class representations considered understudied?

They practice social closure. Signup and view all the answers

What do Nairn's findings about upper class media representations focus on?

Support for the royal family. Signup and view all the answers

What does the media criticism of Prince Charles reveal?

A balance between negative and positive portrayals. Signup and view all the answers

How are contemporary representations of the upper class often shown?

As examples of success within a meritocratic society. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Working Class Representations

Media often nostalgically portrays traditional working-class communities, exemplified in shows like Eastenders and Coronation Street.
Dodd and Dodd (1992) highlight continuity and change in representations; Eastenders addresses contemporary issues such as unemployment and drug use, diverging from earlier portrayals.
Newman (2006) emphasizes the lack of realistic depictions of working-class lives in sitcoms and dramas, often presenting them unfavorably.
Devereux (2008) categorizes working-class portrayals into 'happy' deserving poor versus negative stereotypes of welfare recipients.

The Royle Family

The sitcom The Royle Family is noted for its authentic depiction of working-class family life, focusing on mundane, everyday conversations and events.
Its setting and character portrayals aim to break stereotypes with a more realistic representation of working-class culture.

Chav Stereotypes

Owen Jones criticizes the use of the term 'chav' in media as a derogatory label representing working-class culture negatively.
"Chavtainment" refers to media that frames working-class individuals as aggressive and incapable, shifting their portrayal from ‘salt of the earth’ to 'scum of the earth'.

Underclass Representations

The media's portrayal of the underclass is almost universally negative, suggesting they threaten societal norms.
Golding and Middleton (1982) noted that welfare-related issues gain media attention primarily when linked to crime, reinforcing negative perceptions of the underclass.

Poverty Porn

Price (2014) labels programs like Benefit Street as 'poverty porn', claiming they exploit viewers’ emotions while often missing the narrative of human compassion amidst hardship.

Middle Class Representations

Media representations overwhelmingly focus on the middle class, often portraying them as educated and successful, representing societal norms.
Marxist perspectives argue these portrayals reinforce a false class consciousness, leading working-class viewers to misinterpret social inequality as a meritocratic outcome.

Upper Class Representations

The upper class remains under-researched due to their exclusivity; when represented, they are typically shown in a positive light, embodying wealth and power.
Nairn (1988) notes media often portrays the monarchy as a 'soap opera', reinforcing national identity through public celebrations of royal events.

Changing Representations of the Royal Family

Media portrayals of Prince Charles show a balance between criticism of his political lobbying and positive reflection on his charitable work, indicating both continuity and change in royal representations.

Wealth and Meritocracy

Reiner (2010) highlights contemporary portrayals of the wealthy promote success narratives within a meritocratic framework, encouraging a consumerist culture.
Neo-Marxists argue this portrayal distracts from criticism of the socio-economic systems that allow wealth disparity and perpetuates a false class consciousness among viewers.

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Description

Explore the sociological research on media representations of social class, focusing on the working class. This quiz examines trends in how traditional working-class communities are portrayed in popular media such as Eastenders and Coronation Street. Test your understanding of the nostalgic perspectives these representations evoke.