Representation of Class in Shameless UK

Discuss the representation of Class and Status in the following extract of Shameless using the following to analyse the drama.

The television show "Shameless" is about a working class family living in the north of England. Characters include the father, Frank, eldest sister, Fiona, three brothers Lip, Ian and Liam, and younger sister Debbie. The mother, Monica, is not present, and Frank is an alcoholic and therefore often not present in the family structure. 

The mis-en-scene of this television show plays a very big part in developing the sense of the working class characters. For example, the characters live in a shabby looking council estate, in a small flat. This shows that the characters are working class due to the state of the area in which they live, the size of their flat in correspondence with the number of people in their family, and the furniture and appliances that the home has. 

Another example of how mis-en-scene helps to create the sense of the working class is through Frank's appearance and attire. Frank, the alcoholic father of the family, is often seen with long, greasy, unwashed hair, and a bristly beard that looks as though it desperately needs shaving. This adds to the working class atmosphere in that it demonstrates the stereotype that working class people may be unclean and unhygienic, either due to being uneducated or not being able to afford a running hot water supply that was plentiful enough to cleanse the whole family on a regular basis. 

Thirdly, one could decipher that Frank is a working class character through where he spends most of his time - the pub. Frank is depicted both smoking cigarettes and drinking inside of this pub. These actions make him seem working class as it makes Frank seem like a very flawed character. This links to Butsch's theory (1992) that the working class are portrayed as very flawed individuals. In addition to this, when Frank is speaking to Ian, he talks about a time when his benefits were cut, near when Ian was born. This also demonstrates Butsch's theory.

Another factor that helps to demonstrate the class and status of the Gallagher family is sound. For example, the characters accents and the way in which they speak - if the characters were upperclass, one may expect them to speak eloquently and pronounce words properly, as though it were the queens english. The characters, however, appear to use a lot of slang, and some letters in words go unpronounced; for example, when Fiona says "Wha?" rather than "What?".

Characters also swear a lot - in particular, Frank. An example of this is when Ian tells Frank "You're not my dad." to which Frank responds "The fuck have I done now?". This demonstrates that the characters are of a low status and are working class firstly due to the fact that Frank is swearing in general, and secondly due to the fact that Frank is swearing at his own son. Another example of where Frank swears at Ian is when he says "Of course I'm your fucking dad." Although this may seem somewhat sentimental, it also illustrates the dysfunctionality of the Gallaghers as a family, in that there is speculation as to whether Frank is even the real father of one of his sons (which it turns out, he isn't).

When Frank first enters the pub, upbeat music is played. This is an example of non-diegetic sound. This music sets the vibe that Frank is perhaps a comical character; as though he has been designed to be laughed at. This demonstrates the stereotype that lower class people are so worse off that they may as well in fact be laughed at. 

The character of Frank could also link to Newman's theory that the working class are often demonstrated in a very negative light. Frank would be an example of Newman's "dumb baffoon" - an uneducated working class male. However, where in most situations this character is light hearted and loving, Frank is not. Frank is simply a selfish alcoholic who ultimately does not care for anyone but himself. 

As for editing, this show features a lot of fast-paced cuts, especially when within the Gallagher household. This helps to add to the atmosphere of busy-ness within the home. This helps to create the idea of the Gallaghers being a working class family due to the fact that it's just Fiona left to take care of four other young children; therefore, her household is very hectic. If this were an upper class family, Frank and Monica would be looking after the children, rather than Fiona, their older sister.

Many L-Cuts are also featured. This is when a character speaks while the camera is focused on another character. There are two main examples of this in the clip; firstly, when the camera is on Ian while Frank tells him "You are all my kids.", and secondly, when Debbie is telling Fiona what she needs for media studies, and the camera is focused on Fiona's face. The first example shows how shocked and afraid Ian seems when Frank says this to him. This may suggest that he doesn't often hear loving words from his father, which could suggest that they are working class as stereotypically, parents are not always so loving with their children. As for the second example, this illustrates the look of stress on Fiona's face when Debbie asks for things for school. This shows that Fiona is worried about finance, but still wants to give the kids the things they need. This shows that they are working class, as Fiona is concerned about buying Debbie a few things for school; if they were upperclass, this wouldn't at all be an issue.

Many different camera angles are used in this clip. For example, a two-shot is used when Frank and Ian are talking, which shows the conversation in an almost equal light. This could suggest that perhaps Frank is not quite seen as an adult in the way that he acts, and is more equal to Ian in that sense. An establishing shot is used when Frank first walks into the pub, which informs the viewer of where he is, and who he is. This adds to the idea of him being working class as firstly, he's drinking during the day, and secondly, he clearly has not got a job as he has free time to actually spend in the pub.  In addition, there are many close-up shots centred around the character of Fiona. This shows the viewer that she is an important character in the show, as she is the head of the family. This demonstrates that the family are working class as Fiona, one of the children, takes care of the family, rather than Frank who should be the one to be doing so.  

Sound

•Diegesis -  a narrative or plot, typically in a film. The world within a film. 

•Sound Scape - a piece of music considered in terms of its component sounds.

•Score (music) -orchestrate or arrange (a piece of music), typically for a specified instrument or instruments. Written and composed specifically for the film. 

•Diegetic - Diegetic sound is any sound presented as originated from source within the film's world; sound that a character can hear. 

•Non-diegetic - Non-diegetic sound is sound whose origin is from outside the story world. Characters cannot hear it. 

•Volume control - Making certain parts of a film louder and more quiet

•Dialogue - a conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or film.

–Speech, language and accents

•Mode of address - Mode of Address simply means how the text speaks to the audience, and involves them. It also refers to how a text influences the audience.

•Direct Address -A direct address is the name of the person (normally) who is being directly spoken to.

•Voiceover - a piece of narration in a film or broadcast, not accompanied by an image of the speaker.

•Ambient Sound - Ambient sound (AKA ambient audio, ambience, atmosphere, atmos or background noise) means the background sounds which are present in a scene or location. Common ambient sounds include wind, water, birds, crowds, office noises, traffic, etc. Ambient sound is very important in video and film work.

•Sound bridging  (part of continuity editing) - Sound bridges are one of the most common transitions in the continuity editing style, one that stresses the connection between both scenes since their mood (suggested by the music) is still the same

•Sound perspective - A sound's position in space as perceived by the viewer given by volume, timbre, and pitch. Previous definition Sound over. Next definition Sound Stage.

•Sound effects - a sound other than speech or music made artificially for use in a play, film, or other broadcast production.

–Naturalistic vs unnaturalistic

–Foley

•Synchronous - existing or occurring at the same time.

•Asynchronous - not existing or occurring at the same time. Not matched within a visible source of sound on screen. 

•Incidental music - music used in a film or play as a background to create or enhance a particular atmosphere.

•Sound motifs

Representation of Class and Status in Downton Abbey

Discuss the representation of Class and Status in the extract from downton abbey.

In this text the different classes are represented in certain ways so as to easily differentiate one from the other. These different classes are created through various different elements, like sound, editing, camera work and mis-en-scene. 

Mis-en-Scene

This extract focuses mainly on the working class and the upper class. The working class are, in this extract, presented as servants and newspaper boys and butlers, living to serve the upper class. You are able to tell which characters are of a lower class due to factors such as mis-en-scene. The working class servants are all depicted in their uniforms, which informs the viewer that they are working and all of one group, as they are all dressed the same. 

Camera-Work

Secondly, scenes featuring the lower class usually feature much more fast-paced camera work and quickly cut editing. Shots often feature more than one person in order to create that busy, bustling atmosphere of work and stress, especially in the kitchen area. 

Sound

Another way in which the audience is able to differentiate the working class from the upper class is through sound. This can include both background music, and language and accent. For example, when the audience is shown the working class the music is usually of a faster pace, adding to a sense of business and stress. In addition, the way in which these characters speak can help the audience to categorise their class; they are not as well-spoken, and refer to the upper class as terms such as "my lord".

Camera Work

In contrast, the upper class are presented very differently to the lower class. When the upper class is in shot, scenes are usually much longer with much more focus on the characters speech and emotions and body language, and many close ups and mid shots and scenes featuring just one person are featured, to emphasise more on what individual characters would like to say. This makes the audience  subconsciously gather that the words that these characters speak are much more important and emphasised, than those of the servants in the bustling, busy kitchen. 

Sound

In addition, sound also helps to create the essence of the upper class. The upper class characters are usually rather well spoken people. As well as this, the music played when focusing on the upper class characters tends to be soft and regal, creating a calming and important atmosphere.

Mis-en-Scene

 Upper-class characters are also very well dressed especially in comparison with servants; even their bed clothes are beautiful. In addition, they have many materialistic possessions which show that they are wealthy people. Examples of this include the large painting behind their dining table, the four poster beds, and the very sheer fact that they have servants. 

Class and Status

Class and Status

Class: a system of ordering society whereby people are divided into sets based on perceived social or economic status.

Status: relative social or professional position; standing.

In the short sketch the three main classes are presented; working class, middle class and upper class. This describes class and status as being dependent on both money and family status. Class and status are still relevant in British society today, as people can often be treated differently depending on their family's wealth and how they behave within society. However, different classes can be heavily stereotyped - not all of the upper class look down on lower classes, and not everyone who's working class will look up to the upper class and treat them any differently than they would other people. 

The underclass represents almost the people that have been forgotten by society; generally, people on a very low income or living on benefits/in council estates. These people can stereotypically include Chav's (which quite literally stands for Council Housing And Violence). In television, the lower class can be seen in shows such as "Benefits Street" etc. The representation of this class is generally negative in the media. They can be presented as rather uneducated due to the stereotypical accent or way in which they speak in comparison to the way in which the upper class might speak.

Working class

Presented in the stereotypical context of traditional working class communities such Eastenders and Corrie, Shameless

• Community values often praised but do not reflect reality

• Working class communities have declined with the collapse of traditional industries such as coal mining

• Often presented in the context of trouble, undesirable welfare scroungers, unable to cope with their delinquent children.

Reiner (2007) and Young (2007)

• Media tends to portray the UK as a meritocratic society in which intelligence, talent and hard work are rewarded;

• Neo Marxists argue that this concept of meritocracy is in fact a myth as wealth rather than ability opens up the doors and access to Oxbridge and top jobs;

Newman (2006)

 • Argues that the tabloid media dedicate a great deal of their content to examining the lives of another section of the wealthy elite,

• This dedication invites the audiences to admire the achievements of these celebrities

• Media over focuses on consumer items such as luxury cars, costly holiday spots and fashion accessories

The middle class.

• Presented as educated and successful as well as able to cope with problems,

• Over represented in the media due to their lifestyle,

• Representation fits in with the hegemonic ideology of the dominant class in society,

• Representation justifies the existing class structure and inequalities by suggesting people need to become more competent and successful in order to cope with life.

Upper class

• Mainly represented through the coverage of the monarchy,

• Seen as well bred and cultured,

• Represented through their accents, estates, and a taste for shooting and hunting,

• Usually represented in costume and period drama.

Representations of the working class

• Curran and Seaton (2003) – newspapers aimed at the working class make the assumption that they are uninterested in serious analysis of either the political or social organisation,

• Marxists argue that the content of newspapers such as the Sun and the Daily Star is an attempt to distract the working class audiences from the inequalities of capitalism.

This is a scene from the film Fish Tank. The main character is presented as severely underclass. This can be derived from a mixture of things, for example where she lives, how she dresses and the way in which she speaks. In this image she is depicted wearing a tracksuit with the hood up and Nike trainers. In the background theres peeling wallpaper, and what appears to be two big bottles of cider. This fits within the stereotypical living environment that would fit a working class person. 

Level 4

Explanation/analysis/argument (16-20 marks)

–Shows excellent understanding of the task

–Excellent knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects used in the extract

–Excellent discussion of the extract’s representations, clearly linked to textual analysis

–Clearly relevant to set question

Use of examples (16-20 marks)

–Offers frequent textual analysis from the extract – award marks to reflect the range and appropriateness of examples

–Offers a full range of examples from each technical area

–Offers examples which are clearly relevant to the set question

–Use of terminology (8-10 marks)

Use of terminology is relevant and accurate

–Complex issues have been expressed clearly and fluently using a style of writing appropriate to the complex subject matter. Sentences and

–paragraphs, consistently relevant, have been well structured, using appropriate technical terminology. There may be few, if any, errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar.