Whilst we all wish that social classes were represented equally and fairly, even in this day and age prejudice will still strike.
The social class model is divided into three sections;
- Upper Class
- Middle Class
- Lower Class
Upper Class
The upper class is mostly represented in a positive way, celebrating hierarchy and wealth. The British mass media rarely criticise this class, nor do they draw serious attention to inequalities within their wealth or the extent of their wage.
David M. Newman (2006) argues that the focus of the media was very positive in terms of the wealthy and privileged. He stated that the media are prone to show particular attention to luxury items that would not particularly be available to those within the middle or lower class such as luxury cars, costly vacation places and fashion items that are far out of reach to other classes. Also, news coverage focuses largely on business news and stock market happenings despite the fact it was of less use to the majority of the public.
The Financial Times
The Daily Telegraph
The two newspapers are very much aimed at the upper class.
Middle Class
It has been argued that the middle class are over-represented in television programmes such as dramas and situation comedies.
A large portion of British newspapers are specifically tailored towards the middle class in terms of tastes and interests ie: The Daily Mail.
Most of the creative teams in the media are themselves middle class, bringing biased approach to reports. The majority of 'expert' opinions and facts are taken from the middle status participants.
The Daily Mail
Working Class
Newman raises the issue that news organisations commonly report on how problematic the working class is ie; drugs, welfare cheats, criminals. In the 1980's working class groups like youth sub cultures, such as mods and skinheads, the media was known to cause moral panic over the connotations and stereotypes attached to their groups.
Today, the youth raised in a working class environment are known to be feared by adults despite the majority living a clean and normal lifestyle. The media also concentrate heavily on unemployment or single parent families that suggests that lack of attention or discipline is the cause for social problems because that's what society and the media have led us to believe.
Studies from the Glasgow University Media Group have suggested that because the media portray 'unreasonable' workers as trouble making for 'reasonable' employers. Its a lose lose situation.
Curran and Seaton (2003) have said that working class aimed newspapers (known as red tops) such as The Daily Mirror and The Sun seem to think that they aren't interested in serious analysis in current affairs so they tend to focus on the lifestyle and celebrity gossip instead, as well as sport.
The Daily Star is known as the white van man's newspaper.
A large portion of British newspapers are specifically tailored towards the middle class in terms of tastes and interests ie: The Daily Mail.
Most of the creative teams in the media are themselves middle class, bringing biased approach to reports. The majority of 'expert' opinions and facts are taken from the middle status participants.
The Daily Mail
Working Class
Newman raises the issue that news organisations commonly report on how problematic the working class is ie; drugs, welfare cheats, criminals. In the 1980's working class groups like youth sub cultures, such as mods and skinheads, the media was known to cause moral panic over the connotations and stereotypes attached to their groups.
Today, the youth raised in a working class environment are known to be feared by adults despite the majority living a clean and normal lifestyle. The media also concentrate heavily on unemployment or single parent families that suggests that lack of attention or discipline is the cause for social problems because that's what society and the media have led us to believe.
Studies from the Glasgow University Media Group have suggested that because the media portray 'unreasonable' workers as trouble making for 'reasonable' employers. Its a lose lose situation.
Curran and Seaton (2003) have said that working class aimed newspapers (known as red tops) such as The Daily Mirror and The Sun seem to think that they aren't interested in serious analysis in current affairs so they tend to focus on the lifestyle and celebrity gossip instead, as well as sport.
The Daily Star is known as the white van man's newspaper.
Do you think that the media represents the classes fairly?
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