ideology

 Part 1: BBC Question Time analysis: 

1) What examples of binary opposition can you suggest from watching this clip?

Pro/anti immigration, rich vs poor, left wing: Russel Brand vs right wing: Farage.

2) What ideologies are on display in this clip?

Lowering immigration, taxing the rich bankers bonuses. 

Part 2: Media Magazine reading:

Page 34: The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.

In this article I will analyse the dystopian representation of capitalist society in the latest Hunger Games film and the series as whole, drawing attention to elements where media theory can be most usefully applied.

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?

But there is also a vital ideological element to the way Panem is run; those in power control ideas, as well as resources. The world is caught under the dictatorship of President Snow, a man who believes more in his own supreme leadership than the people of his country.

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?

To summarise, Mockingjay can be enjoyed as a ‘just a film’ in its own right, or a satirical comment on our own capitalist society, projected into the future in the classic dystopian tradition. But the latest film in the series takes this to a new level, with its satirical comment on media power, subversion and resistance.

Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?

• People should put their families first.

• People should work hard for their money.

• Women should behave in feminine ways, and look after their appearance.

• Good should overcome evil.

2) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?

Gransci defined hegemony as an important way in which those in power maintain their control through consent, rather than the use of force. He argued that the power of ideology derives primarily from ideas and structures which support, and thus serve the purpose of, an elite social group which is able to dominate through ideas, rather than militaristic strength or fear.

3) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?

His view was that ideology is the greatest material power and dominates our day to day lives through two key forms of control:

1: Repressive State Control, also known as ‘Repressive State Apparatuses’ (RSAs) through the major institutions of society – the Government, Army, Police, Courts, etc. – which are dominated by the ruling elite. These state agencies regulate social behaviour and repress the masses through violence, punitive law, and fear.

2: ‘Ideological State Apparatuses’ (ISAs), such as the Church, the media, educational institutions, the family unit etc. These looser institutions control and dominate implicitly through ‘common sense’ acceptance and social norms, rather than through fear. This echoes Gramsci’s concept of hegemony, by which ideology’s power derives primarily from consent as opposed to the use of force.

4) Do YOU agree with the idea behind They Live - that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media which is run in the interests of the economic elite? These are the big questions of A Level Media!

One of the roles for Media Studies in the 21st century is to expose the elite groups which control such ideological messages – to resist the economics of Google or Amazon, and to make them accountable to everyday people, to ’ordinary’ citizens like you. I agree that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media.