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Representation (the theoretical framework)

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you select and apply the right representation theory in a high-tariff Eduqas essay, and weigh it to reach the top band?

Representation: applying the named theories. Selecting the theory that fits the representation (Hall, van Zoonen, bell hooks, Butler, Gilroy, Gauntlett), applying it to specific features of a product, combining theories, and evaluating to reach a judgement in the extended response.
An Eduqas A-Level Media Studies guide to applying the representation theories in the extended response. Covers selecting the right theory (Hall, van Zoonen, bell hooks, Butler, Gilroy, Gauntlett), applying it to specific features, combining theories and evaluating to reach a judgement, with the levels-of-response skills the essays reward.
16 min answer →

What does it mean to say the media re-present reality, and how does Stuart Hall explain representation as construction rather than reflection?

Representation: Stuart Hall's representation theory. Representation as construction not reflection, selection and mediation, stereotyping and the exercise of power, and the reinforcing or challenging of dominant ideologies.
An Eduqas A-Level Media Studies guide to representation and Stuart Hall. Covers representation as construction not reflection, selection and mediation, stereotyping as the exercise of power, and how media reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies, with the analysis skills the representation questions reward.
16 min answer →

How does Paul Gilroy explain media representations of ethnicity, and what do the ideas of the colonial binary and double consciousness add to your analysis?

Representation: ethnicity and postcolonial theory (Paul Gilroy). The persistence of colonial discourse and its binaries (civilised versus primitive), the marginalising of black and minority groups, diaspora and double consciousness, and how products reproduce or resist a postcolonial racial hierarchy.
An Eduqas A-Level Media Studies guide to ethnicity and postcolonial theory. Covers Paul Gilroy on the persistence of colonial discourse and its binaries, the marginalising of minority groups, diaspora and double consciousness, and how products reproduce or resist a racial hierarchy, with the application skills the representation essays reward.
16 min answer →

What do van Zoonen and bell hooks argue about gender in the media, and how do you apply feminist theory to a set product?

Representation: feminist theory (Liesbet van Zoonen and bell hooks). Gender as constructed and performed in the media, the male gaze and the body as display, intersectionality and feminism as a movement to end sexist oppression, and how products reinforce or challenge patriarchal values.
An Eduqas A-Level Media Studies guide to feminist theory. Covers van Zoonen on gender as constructed and the body as spectacle, bell hooks on feminism as a movement to end sexist oppression and intersectionality, and how products reinforce or challenge patriarchal values, with the application skills the representation essays reward.
16 min answer →

What does Judith Butler mean by gender as performativity, and how does that idea help you read gender in a media product?

Representation: gender performativity (Judith Butler). Gender as performative rather than a fixed essence, the repetition of acts that produces the illusion of a stable gender, the trouble products make when they expose or subvert the performance, and how this differs from a simple male or female binary.
An Eduqas A-Level Media Studies guide to Judith Butler and gender performativity. Covers gender as performative rather than fixed, the repeated acts that produce a stable gender, gender trouble where products subvert the performance, and how this differs from a male or female binary, with the application skills the representation essays reward.
16 min answer →

How does David Gauntlett explain the relationship between media and identity, and what does pick and mix mean for representation?

Representation: identity theory (David Gauntlett). The media provide tools and resources audiences use to construct their identities, the pick and mix relationship with representations, the shift from singular to fluid and negotiated identities, and the role of participatory, do-it-yourself media.
An Eduqas A-Level Media Studies guide to identity theory and David Gauntlett. Covers the media as tools and resources for constructing identity, the pick and mix relationship with representations, the shift to fluid and negotiated identities, and the role of participatory media, with the application skills the representation essays reward.
16 min answer →