Collective Identity: Theory and Examples

Media and Collective Identity

Theories to relate to our case study films and television shows.

Identity and Labels

• Theorist: Stryker

• We interact with others to create an identity, this is called identity negotiation. This develops a consistent set of behaviours that reinforce the identity of the person or group.

• These behaviours then become social expectations.

Briitsh ‘Identities’

Interpellation

• Theorist: Althusser

• The power of the mass media resides in their ability to place a subject in a way that their representations are taken to be reality.

• Interpellation – process of recognition with the ideology at hand (identify with a particular idea)

Example: The R-Patz Phenomenon

Mass Media

• Theorist: Marcuse

• The mass media carry with them prescribed attitudes and habits, certain intellectual and emotional reactions which bind the consumer and reduce them to a mindless mass.

• Resulting in ‘Passive Audience’

Example: Advertising

Asda advert Men Vs Women

Our Case Studies

• Past film/TV that represents Britain of that era.• Alfie/Coronation Street and Are You Being

Served• Contemporary film/TV that represents Britain of

a past era.• An Education/Upstairs Downstairs• Contemporary film/TV that represents

contemporary Britain.• Kidulthood and Fish Tank/Misfits

Blog Task

1. Are there any cultural or fashion movements taking place in Britain now, that you think would be strong enough to form a ‘Collective Identity’.

2. Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts. (Use key scenes to support you answers)