Marxism & hegemony: blog tasks

 1)Re-read the Mail Online review of Capital. Why does it suggest that Capital features a left-wing ideology? 

The review suggests Capital features a left-wing ideology because it focuses on inequality and shows wealthy characters in a negative light. It presents London as divided by class and suggests that capitalism creates unfairness and tension between rich and poor.



2) Choose three quotes from the review that are particularly critical of Capital and paste them into your blogpost. Do you agree with the criticisms? Why? 
Some critical quotes from the review include phrases describing it as being “heavy-handed”, suggesting it “wears its politics on its sleeve”, and implying it is biased against wealth and success. These comments criticise the programme for being too obvious with its message. I partly agree because the themes about inequality are quite clear, but I also think it reflects real social issues in Lond


3) What scenes or characters from Capital could be read as promoting left-wing ideology?  
Scenes and characters that promote a left-wing ideology include the portrayal of the wealthy banker who is shown as morally flawed, and the sympathetic presentation of immigrant and working-class characters. The series highlights rising house prices and social division, suggesting capitalism benefits only a few.


4) What about the other side of the argument - are there any aspects of Capital that reinforce right-wing or capitalist viewpoints?  However, there are also elements that reinforce capitalist ideas. Property ownership is still shown as desirable, and characters are concerned with protecting the value of their homes. This suggests that wealth and success are still important goals.



Task 2: Media Factsheet - Applying Marxism 

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet #66: Applying Marxism. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level or online here (you'll need your Greenford Google login to access). Read the factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What does Marxism suggest regarding power in society?

Marxism suggests that power in society is held by a small elite who control wealth and the means of production. The majority depend on them for work and survival. Institutions like the media help maintain this power by promoting dominant valu


2) Why is The Apprentice a good example of the media reinforcing capitalist values and ideologies?  The Apprentice is a good example because it celebrates business success and presents Lord Sugar as powerful and deserving of authority. Contestants compete for wealth and approval, reinforcing the idea that capitalism is natural and positive.


3) Come up with two examples of media texts (e.g. TV programmes, newspapers etc.) that either fetishise working class life (e.g. EastEnders presents quite a harmonious East End community which probably doesn't accurately reflect East London life) or demonise working class life or poor people (e.g. The Daily Mail and The Sun newspapers regularly demonise people living on benefits with headlines referring to 'scroungers'.) Explain what meanings these texts communicate to their audiences.

One example of fetishising working-class life is EastEnders, which often shows a strong sense of community in the East End. This can make working-class life seem warm and supportive despite economic struggles. An example of demonising working-class life is The Daily Mail, which sometimes portrays people on benefits as lazy or irresponsible. This suggests poverty is a personal failure rather than a social issue.


4) Look at the bullet points on page 4 of the factsheet:

When making a Marxist reading of a text, look out for representations that:
  • show the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass
  • show queries or challenges to the base as meaningless, foolish or anti-social via ‘failed revolt’
  • show the subdominant position of the masses as a naturalised idea
  • show the values of the power elite as ‘natural’ or ‘right’
  • show that being a member of the mass is a good thing
  • show the masses accepting the values of the power elite
  • show the values of the power elite as being ‘for the good of the masses’ (even when unpleasant)
Now try applying those bullet points to Capital. Think about the setting, characters and narrative strands - how many of the bullet points apply to Capital? Does Capital reinforce or challenge the values of capitalism? Give examples from episode 1 to support your 
Applying the Marxist bullet points to Capital, the series challenges the idea that the power elite are always right by showing wealthy characters as selfish or disconnected. It also questions whether capitalism works for everyone, especially through the struggles of lower-income and migrant characters. At the same time, the desire to own property and gain wealth is still shown as normal, which reflects how capitalist values are deeply embedded. Overall, Capital seems to question capitalism more than it supports it, but it also shows how difficult it is to escape the system.

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