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Read Item N below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 21 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 21
Read Item N below and answer the question that follows. Item N The growth of new media in contemporary society has led some sociologists to reconsider some of the i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item N below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 21 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate the usefulness of early media theories
Answer
Early media theories such as pluralism and Marxism provide frameworks for analyzing how media operates within societal structures. Pluralism suggests that a diversity of voices and perspectives should lead to a more balanced media landscape. However, new media often complicates this notion, as platforms may favor certain viewpoints while sidelining others.
Marxism, on the other hand, critiques how ownership and control of media influence the representation of social classes. In the realm of new media, the concentration of power in a few tech giants raises similar concerns regarding bias and representation.
Evaluating these theories against the backdrop of today's digital landscape can reveal both their enduring relevance and their limitations.
Step 2
Discuss the differences between old and new media
Answer
Old media, such as television and newspapers, were primarily top-down in their distribution of information. They had centralized control, limited interactivity, and were gatekept by professionals. In contrast, new media offers decentralized communication where users can generate and share content easily. This shift requires a re-evaluation of earlier theories because the dynamics of audience engagement have transformed.
Step 3
Analysis of specific examples
Answer
For instance, the rise of social media platforms exemplifies how user-generated content can challenge traditional media narratives. Furthermore, platforms like Twitter or TikTok can be analyzed through a Marxist lens, highlighting issues of surveillance capitalism and the commodification of user data, which were not present in traditional media frameworks.