Ideology: further reading and tasks

The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda


What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?

The film presents a capitalist ideology whereby  the ruling class keep the poor under control through civic means. Those in power control ideas, as well as resources. Punishments are set up in the squares for anyone who disobeys a rule, and electric fences surround the woods in one of the districts to cut off any means of gathering or hunting for food. This reinforces the capitalist view of society and helps them to remain in power. According to the Marxist theory, Marx argued that the capitalist bourgeoisie mercilessly exploited the proletariat. He recognised that the work carried out by the proletariat created great wealth for the capitalist. In this instance President Snow is the bourgeoisie and the proletariat are districts and people who work for him.



What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?

The Hunger Games trilogy suggests that the capitalist use the media to shape our idealogical beliefs. They do this through propaganda. However, this is not just used by the ruling class. In Mockingjay, Katniss used propaganda videos to inform the districts of the existence of District 13, the need for a rebellion and the current state of each district. This portrays the Capitol in its true light and encourages more people to rebel. Therefore, Mockingjay focuses on the media and the use of propaganda, to influence their society's idealogical beliefs. 




They Live - Understanding Ideology

What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?

The ideas that make up the dominant ideology in Britain do not remain the same. they change as new ideas develop, people discuss them, and they enter the mainstream. Here, for example, are three features that are generally agreed to be part of the dominant ideology in Britain; people should put their families first, people should work hard for their money, women should behave in feminine ways, and look after their appearance. Although you may disagree with some of these ideas, they are still part of our dominate ideology.   


 What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?

Gransci defined hegemony as an important way in which those in power maintain their control through consent, rather than the use of force. He argued that the power of ideology derives primarily from ideas and structures which support, and thus serve the purpose of, an elite social group which is able to dominate through ideas, rather than militaristic strength or fear.This suggests that power and ideology doesn't have to be forced onto society, but through consent. 


What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?

His view was that ideology is the greatest material power and dominates our day to day lives through two key forms of control:Repressive State Control, also known as ‘Repressive State Apparatuses’ which are dominated by the ruling elite. These state agencies regulate social behaviour and repress the masses through violence, punitive law, and fear. And ‘Ideological State Apparatuses’ (ISAs), These looser institutions control and dominate implicitly through ‘common sense’ acceptance and social norms, rather than through fear. This echoes Gramsci’s concept of hegemony, by which ideology’s power derives primarily from consent as opposed to the use of force.