I need help with sociology...

Question

The question is : Write a full answer for 'The media has a big impact on how people are socialised into their political beliefs'. Evaluate the arguments for and against this claim. (10 marks)

Answer 1

The media shows what they feel is news, they do not always give the whole story.  Sometimes this tends to sway the judgment of some people because they are not fully informed of all the facts. like during the election time you can watch 2 or 3 different news channels and get different parts of the story from each. Unfortunately for some they tend to think if they see it on the news it must be true.

Those who want to make a responsible and accurate decision will watch the debates and several news channels. They will base their decision on fact and knowledge. They will stay informed and make a wise decision. They will not allow the news or press to sway their decision one way or another because they will not rely solely on the information obtained from them.  

Answer 2

Talk about stereotypes and labelling.

Answer 3

This is a good question - look on the web - especially at papers like the Daily Mail, and the Sun - the Sun boasted that they won the Neil Kinnock election - the Daily Mail runs a lot of articles that are based on conservative ideologies - very anti-single mums, against people on benefits etc. All this is reported simply as news, but there are political motives and ideals behind them.

Also look into the early years of Tony Blair rule, he got very friendly with the papers in particular 'The Sun', and that paper was much more sympathetic to 'New' Labours cause - Blair new that he needed the papers on his side - you questions is obviously why he needed the papers on his side.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

There are so many aspects to this. I got full marks in all the exams I did at AS/A-Level Sociology a few years back so hopefully will be able to help.

You could briefly mention as an introduction:

How the media shapes people's ideas (pictures, headlines, tv, editing, expert analysis)

The type of position the media adopts (right/left wing/critical)

How the media has overtaken the church at shaping people's political views

Give examples War in Iraq, Presidential campaign in US

You could argue against this by suggesting that family and social background still to a large extent socialises people into their political beliefs. You could use the example of Northern Ireland here and the two communities. Political beliefs are also still largely affected by race, background, religion, ethnicity, geographical location.

Actually I probably haven't been much help at all. :)

Answer 5

Sorry, not going to write you school report answers for you.

I think you need to study this properly and find your own answers.

Answer 6

some news stations are considered liberal and some are considered conservative. and they tend to take sides. bill oreilly on fox news for instance is considered conservative in his views. this give the repubs a platform in the media where they can express their views. its meant to be entertaining, like satire or commentary, but since they use news channels to broadcast these types of shows, it sorta brainwashes the public into thinking that the views expressed are fact, and not opinion. the news should ALWAYS be unbiased, and state the facts, allowing the viewer to form their own opinion.

and thats my opinion. depending on what grade your in, dont write that verbatim.