How far does the representation of a particular social group change over time?

How far does the representation of a British family change over time?

Alfie
Inbetweeners


Past media representations of family (i.e. the film Alfie) show society striving for the 'nuclear family' ideal, shown through the characters of Gilda and Humphrey. Gilda gives up her love for Alfie to go and have a life with Humphrey, going along with the social 'norms' of the time, thus following Stryker's theory of social expectations.

An Education presents the nuclear family ideal at the beginning. However Jenny rebels against this norm and tries to further herself with her relationship with David, however her parents would have allowed her to give up all her education at the age of 17 to have a married life. This follows Althusser's theory as society has drummed the idea of marriage and Jenny's parents comply.

The characters in Inbetweeners are part of a younger age group, therefore their view of marriage and family is drastically different to one in the 1960s. They strive for sex, not marriage. This is shown by the constant sexual references throughout the show. Whereas Gilda in Alfie is seen to be wearing a false wedding ring in the hospital so as to hide the fact that she is an unmarried mother.




Improvements
1) Analyse the theories to show that you actually know what the theorists say and link it to your TV and film examples.
2) Analyse your points and examples more to explain how they intercept with each other and the theorists.

Analysis of example answer

T = 9
E = 10
A = 17

Positives - Good knowledge of theories. Uses a variety of examples. Detailed analysis and strong understanding.

Negatives - Examples don't give specific details of characters and scenes.

Meanings in the films we studied.

In An Education, Jenny shuts the door to her room, and her dad has to bring her cup of tea to the other side of the door. This shows the barriers she has put up.

Signifier = Door
Signified = An entrance
Semiology = There is more than one meaning
Sign = A barrier between Jenny and her father and the outside world.

In Fish Tank, the main family are often seen watching MTV, and the wallpaper is of palm trees. This shows that they are always aspiring to live the 'American dream'.

Signifier = MTV and wallpaper
Signified = Music TV and wallpaper
Semiology = There is more than one meaning
Sign = The characters are aspiring to live in America.

In Coronation Street, the pub represents a community, not just a place to go for a drink.

Signifier = The pub
Signified = A place to drink
Semiology = There is more than one purpose
Sign = It's also the place everyone sees each other, which creates a community spirit.

Roland Barthes -TESCO Semiology

"Originally a UK-focused retailer specialising in food and drink, it has diversified both geographically and by product, into areas such as clothing, electronics, financial services, telecoms, home, health, car and dental insurance, retailing and renting DVDs,^[9] CDs, music downloads, Internet services and software." - Wikipedia

Sign

Tesco has more meanings. E.g. car insurance

Seminology

Tesco has grown

Object                                    Meaning

The Tesco logo                       Food and drink