Introduction to Representation Theories

Dominant Ideology - the views and values that are projected and held by mainstream society.

Gramsci's Theory Hegemony - dominant ideology is represented the most and that because of its full representation, this ideology is what the public are more likely to believe. 

Stan Cohen's theory of Moral Panic - society and cultures are likely to to experience moral panic if a group or individuals are defined as a threat to mainstream society.

Tessa Perkins theory of Stereotypes - 'stereotypes are assumptions we make based on groups of people' - therefore we do not take into account that an individual within this group may oppose this stereotype.

bell hook's 'skin colour is code' - White females are viewed as desirable and fit better into the Western Ideology of women, whilst black women are objectified and sexualised, representing the colonialist view of these women.

John Berger 'Men look and Women appear' - Women appear in media texts solely for the objectification and pleasure of men and the male audience.

Gidden's Theory - mediated experiences make us reflect on upon and rethink our own self-narrative in relation to others. Therefore, watching films make us reconsider our actions and the way in which we live ours lives on a day-to-day basis.

Gauntlett's Theory - the media is a 'resource in which individuals use to think through their sense of self and modes of expression'. Similar to Gidden, watching or reading a media text can make us realise the effect of our actions and views, and make us rethink the way in which we consider certain factors and the way we present these views.