Marxism

• A theory based on the works of Karl Marx. He argues that the capitalist society is divided into two social classes. Bourgeoisie and proletariat.
  
  Marxism and the media

• "Culture Industeries" - Adorno, dumbing down the media to opress the working class.
• Media as an instituion used by the ruling class to entertain the working class whilst feeding them ideologies and beliefs (effects theory)
  
  Althusser
  
• Ideological state apparatus:
  Family
  Religion
  Law
  Media
  Education
  
  Gramsi
  
• Hegemony Theory - dominance of the Ruling class values and ideologie.
• Process is successful as it bcomes 'Common sense' so by continuing these ideologies in the media the ruling class can ensure that they retain hegemonic control.
  
  Eisnteing and montage
  
• Sergei Einstein and other soviet film makers used marxism to justify their film making.
• Structuralist approach - Hollywood cinema is designed to draw audience into believing in capitalism propoganda and ideologies. Einsteins solution = eliminate individual protagonists.
  
  Am i a marxist?
  To some extent...
• Yes i believe that social class has an impact on how far you get in life and wealth seems to determine your intelligence. i.e if you have money you are more likely to have a better educationdue to materials which would normally be deprived from a working class background. Although not only are some discouraged by CLASS but also by GENDER, which infact makes it even harder.
• Media DOES enforce this ruling class idelogies as we are watching and aspriring to materials they have. "keeping up with the jones" is something we all desire and want. The use of media techniques we as the audience are made to believe that these products are nessecities rather than luxuries.