According to Althusser (1971) the media is part of the ideological state apparatuses [ISAs]. These are the mechanisms used by the ruling-class to control ideas, which support their interests and maintain their power in capitalist societies. The media influences the way in which the poor and working-classes are perceived by the public as lazy, worthless and welfare dependent. Although Althusser’s theory was published in the 1970s, it is still relevant in today’s neoliberal capitalist society. This is demonstrated in Jensen’s (2014) concept of poverty porn and Tyler’s (2015) notion that the material predicament of the poor has become TV entertainment for the masses. The public generally believe what they see, hear and read in the legacy mainstream media. However, the concept of ISAs overlooks the power that new social media platforms have to change how the public see and think about the poor.
i. Refer to two real-life examples that demonstrate how the media demonises some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in society.
ii. Is the current system of welfare benefits so generous that it undermines work by handing out ‘free’ payments, or is that a myth? Support your response with evidence, rather than simply writing down your opinions.
iii. How can social media be used to change public opinion about the poor, and in doing so also improve government welfare policies?
SOCIAL ACTION SOCIETY C.I.C. 
LikeLike
People turn to media to gather their opinion such as elections
the media controls the way we dress and think about others who dress differently
LikeLike
The media influences the opinions and beliefs of the majority, and this is seen in real life through promotion of brands influencing what people buy and how different events are portrayed in the media influencing public opinion on the matter
LikeLike
Tailoring people’s explore page to their own interests
LikeLike
Using media as idealogical state apparatus is arguably easier now as the media is easier to access and more widespread
LikeLike
LikeLike
the Southport riots with media outlets saying that the male was an immigrant
2010 ripts
LikeLike
1.mothers with more than 2 kids on benefits
2.making the public think everyone on benefits are lying
I think it’s a myth as there is now a 2 child benefit cap so they aren’t giving money to people who are having kids just for the benefits
the media can stop exaggerating and making the public hate the poor and instead talk about real statistics and real struggles the poor face
LikeLike
programmes such as benefit street are used as a way to demonise those on benefits and use it to twist the truth. It makes out that those on benefits don’t work at all. Whilst this is the case for some people, a lot of people who claim benefits use it as a means of survival on top of their wages
LikeLike
social media is more accessible nowadays therefore the idea is spread easier through tv shows and social platforms, the welfare system can be abused but is a good opportunity to those who are unable to work.
LikeLike
the current welfare state to some is used as an alternative to work. Whilst work should not be a defining point, many see it to be. For example, the ideology of neoliberalism. This ideology reiterates the idea that those on benefits are lazy and don’t work. By saying this, many believe that those receiving benefits are reviving ‘free money’ when this is not the case
LikeLike
I)
ii) I think that people who work should be earning more than those who just receive benefits. Being “too generous” means SOME people may get comfortable just receiving those benefits
iii) Social Media can be used to accurately show how poor people live and survive day to day. This could then change public opinions to not demonise those who are poorer and it can show many don’t live off government money because they don’t like work. However, the media can be manipulated to continue to demonise them
LikeLike
Demonising them who are just using the system for their own gain. If we all could no one would work that’s the life people want money just coming in their accounts without having to do much. The media Demonises these types of people looks down on them etc. Creating shows like benefit street to further push the agenda of the working class being too lazy and disgusting.
LikeLike
The media greatly influences society’s opinions on the poor through audio-visual means to police public opinion, and this is usually seen in shows such as Benefits Street. It is usually negative and seen as exploiting the poor to divert attention from crisis in capitalism (Poverty Porn), however it could have a positive impact if it were to express the victimisation of the poor to wider society and lead to class consciousness, as well as advancements in policies that benefit the poor and society
LikeLike
the current welfare state does not hand out money as if it grows on trees, but instead the gov have cut the benefit system from 2014-15 by £18 billion and have installed a 2 child cap on benefits, limiting those who want to cheat the system by producing more children
social media can help lobby the gov to make changes to policy & help to change the societal views on the top 1% by factually reporting and enlightening on the fact those are the main ones for causing societal loss of money through tax evasion instead of those at the bottom trying to gain benefits
LikeLike
I. Demonisation of migrant workers and refugees.
the UK’s benefits scroungers narrative.
ii. The idea that that the welfare benefits are so generous that they undermine work by handing out free payments are largely a myth, not supported by evidence.
LikeLike
LikeLike