Ideology

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Part 1: Media Magazine reading

Media Magazine issue 52 has two good articles on Ideology. You need to read those articles (our Media Magazine archive is here) and complete a few short tasks linked to them. 

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

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.
The article explores how those in power use media to maintain ideologies.

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?
The film shows how the wealthy individuals live in luxury while the lower class suffer in poverty and repression, reflecting real-world inequalities

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

The Hunger Games films suggest that the media is a powerful tool that can manipulate and form dominant ideologies.

4) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you think the media shapes our values and beliefs?

I believe the media does play a significant role in shaping our values and beliefs, often reinforcing dominant ideologies, but with the rise of social media there could be challenges.


Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

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

  • consumer goods- fulfilment

  • marriage/family/children- happiness

  • money- happiness

  • work- fulfilment

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

Gramsci suggests that power in society is maintained throught the dominant class's ideas becoming accepted as common sense, ensuring control without the need for force.

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

The elite class uses the ideology that happiness comes from material goods. This ideology helps make more profit through consumerism. 

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!

I agree with the premise of They Live the media often promotes consumerism and capitalist ideologies in ways that we may not recognise.

Part 2: The role of the media in democracy

Read this Constitution Unit blog on the importance of media in democracy. This brings together our work on ownership, public service broadcasting, regulation and ideology. Answer the following questions:

 Why is the media important in a democracy? 
The media can help inform the public, hold those in power accountable and help people make decisions.

What risks are identified that threaten a healthy media environment? 

The risks could be political interference or misinformation.

What is YOUR opinion on how the media can be safeguarded to protect democracy? You may want to think about ownership, regulation, technology, or public service broadcasting here.

To safeguard democracy, I think there needs to be stricter regulations on media ownership and stronger support for public service broadcasting.

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INDEX

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