Blog tasks: Ideology

 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 explains how The Hunger Games presents a dystopian society where propaganda and media manipulation are used by those in power to control people and maintain political and ideological dominance.

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films? The films present capitalist ideology as unequal and exploitative.

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs? The films suggest that media has enormous power to influence what people believe.

4) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you think the media shapes our values and beliefs? I think the media plays a major role in shaping people’s values and beliefs.


Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article? Money leads to happiness, Buying goods brings fulfilment, Marriage, family and children create happiness, Hard work and obedience lead to success and fulfilment 

2) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society? Gramsci’s theory of hegemony suggests that the ruling class maintains power not just through force but by making their ideas and values appear natural and common sense.

3) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?  Althusser argued that institutions such as the media, education and religion act as Ideological State Apparatuses that reinforce dominant ideologies. Through advertising and media messages.

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 this idea. The media can influence how people think by promoting certain values like consumerism, success and wealth.


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:

1) Why is the media important in a democracy? The media is important because it informs citizens about political issues, government decisions and public debates.

2) What are the hallmarks of a free and healthy media landscape? Freedom of speech and press, Independent journalism, A wide range of media owners and viewpoints, Strong public service broadcasting, Reliable, accurate and fact-checked information.

3) What risks are identified that threaten a healthy media environment? Political pressure on journalists, Misinformation and fake news, Declining funding for quality journalism, The influence of large technology.

4) 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 protect democracy, governments should ensure strong media regulation and prevent a small number of companies from dominating the media industry.

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