prev — main — next
 SESSION A.2: EXERCISE
 
MEDIA FUNCTIONALISM
 
Exercise:

We are considering a Sociological analysis of the media to allow us to examine how groups and institutions 'function' as ways of patterning and organising social life. That is the process whereby individuals are turned into members of society through the assimilation of information. Something is considered functional when it contributes to the maintenance and stability of whatever it is a part of and dysfunctional if it is a destabilising factor. Many believe that the media generate a great deal of 'social teaching', as they offer us information.

Your group should;
·        
Consider the idea that the media are functional in that they generally provide reinforcing information to us, and stress status quo values.

Between you try to list ten examples of media effect on the consciousness of individuals in the group. That is, items of knowledge, information and belief that you could not, or would not, know about, due to distance or time, or from your ordinary experiences. And could only have received from a mediated experience.

Reflect, also, on the opinions you have formed about those listed. Could the media have helped you shape your positive or negative opinions? Even if some of this opinion forming is done through dialogue within your community, is there still a media influence on such peer conversation?

How to proceed:

1. List five negative influences, that is, some group or person you dislike, or an event you view negatively. E.G., just to get you started; how do you feel about;

·         Joseph Stalin.
·         East Timor genocide
·         George W. Bush. (Substitute a local politician)

List five positive influences, that is, some group or person you admire, or an event you are pleased to know happened. Again to get you started. How do you feel about?

·         Martin Luther King.
·         New 'Bloody Sunday' Enquiry. (List a local event.)
·         Mother Theresa.

These are for example only. You may decide that some of these are in the wrong category, and that, for example, many people still admire George W. Bush or Joseph Stalin, and dislike Mother Theresa.

The point being, that, unless you are omnipresent, you have most likely formed most of your opinions from mediated sources. It may be useful to record if two participants have different views on a subject.

This exercise will require personal honesty, particularly in relation to admissions of bias or dislike. But this is not a judgmental exercise, but a critical appraisal of how the media impacts on our consciousness.

2. Discuss the list and try to decide how the various media have such an influence on our sense of being. One member of group records the main points and reports back to the larger group.

prev — main — next