OCR GCSE Media Studies: Social, Cultural, and Political Contexts in Media

OCR GCSE Media Studies: Social, Cultural, and Political Contexts in Media

Understanding the Big Picture: How Context Shapes Media

Media isn't just entertainment. It's a powerful force that reflects and shapes our world. Studying contexts in media helps us understand how social, historical, and political factors influence what we see, hear, and read.

1. Social Context: The Values We Share

• What are social norms? Think about what's considered acceptable behavior in your community. Social norms influence what's considered "normal" and "acceptable" in media products.
• How do media products reflect societal values? Look at how media portrays gender roles, family structures, or attitudes towards race and ethnicity.
• Examples:
  • A TV show set in the 1950s might portray women as primarily homemakers, reflecting the social norms of that era.
  • A modern-day movie might showcase diverse characters and relationships, reflecting evolving societal values.

2. Cultural Context: Shaping and Reflecting Our World

• What is popular culture? This refers to the trends, beliefs, and activities shared by a large group of people.
• How does media influence popular culture? Media often sets trends, promotes ideas, and creates a shared experience.
• How does media reflect popular culture? Media products often draw inspiration from and comment on popular culture.
• Examples:
  • A song about heartbreak might become a cultural phenomenon, influencing how people express their emotions.
  • A superhero movie might draw inspiration from contemporary social issues and anxieties.

3. Political Context: Power, Ideas, and Messages

• How does media convey political messages? Media can support or criticize political ideologies, influence public opinion, and highlight social injustices.
• How does media reflect political events? Media often reports on political events, shaping public understanding of them.
• Examples:
  • A news report might present a biased perspective on a political issue.
  • A documentary might explore the impact of a political decision on society.

Why is Context Important?

Studying contexts allows you to:

• Analyze media products critically. You can identify the hidden messages, biases, and influences behind what you consume.
• Understand the influence of media on society. You can see how media shapes our values, beliefs, and actions.
• Become an informed media consumer. You can develop a discerning eye for how media is used to persuade, entertain, and inform.

Exam Tips

• Identify the relevant contexts: Analyze the social, cultural, and political factors that are most important to the media product you are studying.
• Support your analysis with evidence: Use specific examples from the media product and your understanding of the relevant context.
• Develop a clear argument: Explain how the chosen contexts influenced the creation and interpretation of the media product.

By studying contexts in media, you gain a powerful tool for understanding the world around you and the messages that media products convey.