Class can be used as a way of expressing difference. It can create conflict between groups of people and/or develop characterisation, using class stereotypes that audiences can easily recognise.
This clip featuring John Cleese, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett offers a traditional representation of class in Britain.
This clip illustrates Structural Consensus Theory which states that if changes need to happen in society they should take place within social institutions such as the law, police and social services. The aim is to keep harmony by keeping everyone in their place and to avoid the 'potentially violent working class and underclass'. This may be fine if your place in society is a privileged one but what if your circumstances are desperate. Conflict Theory is the opposite of Structural Consensus Theory. It prefers a more radical, revolutionary approach to changing society. Most TV drama follows structural consensus theory but occasionally, with this is challenged on screen. Boys From the Black Stuff (1981) and even Shameless challenge the harmonious status quo ideology.
This clip illustrates Structural Consensus Theory which states that if changes need to happen in society they should take place within social institutions such as the law, police and social services. The aim is to keep harmony by keeping everyone in their place and to avoid the 'potentially violent working class and underclass'. This may be fine if your place in society is a privileged one but what if your circumstances are desperate. Conflict Theory is the opposite of Structural Consensus Theory. It prefers a more radical, revolutionary approach to changing society. Most TV drama follows structural consensus theory but occasionally, with this is challenged on screen. Boys From the Black Stuff (1981) and even Shameless challenge the harmonious status quo ideology.
