Applying Marxism

What does Marxism suggest regarding power in society?

•  Power was held by an elitist minority, who had access to money and could use it, along with their power, to generate more wealth and influence the ideologies of the lower classes.

Why is The Apprentice a good example of the media reinforcing capitalist values and ideologies?

•  Lord Sugar reinforces the idea of the 'elite' with the contestants relying on him for their survival and are challenged to complete tasks in order to secure capital.

Three examples of media texts that either fetishise or demonise the working class

• Eastenders (BBC) 
• The Sun Newspaper
• Friends without Benefits (Channel 4)

Marxist reading of Capital [2015]

•  Capital [2015], doesn't have aspects of all bullet points considered during a Marxist reading however, it undeniably does contain some Marxist undertones, specifically through the depiction of Bankers, and the 'ruling elite' within the pilot episode. They can be seen multiple times as greedy, oblivious or simply out of touch with the social climate that they exist within. The Younts in particular, have a stark contrast to the character of Quentina, a police officer - who arguably has more of a social impact than bankers - who is on a wage of £300 a week, including overtime. Comparing this to the £30,000 that is 'no use' to the Younts expensive and normalised life style, this shows the subdominant position of the working class as normalised, the elite are not the other in this equation. Another scene which is rather significant in the perpetuation of the marxist ideologies, is the acceptance of the elites (the Younts) behaviours by the masses (the builder), within the scene where Arabella is telling Bogdan about how she wants to renovate her home as she believes that wet rooms are 'out of fashion' and although anyone can see the entitlement laced into her words, he simply says that it is her home and she should feel comfortable and happy with it. This is an explicit depiction of the dynamics suggested by Marxists theories. Another way, is through the animations of the London Housing prices, although this is detrimental to the surrounding citizens and sparks the hateful postcards, this doesn't have a lasting impact on the residents until much later in the series - the Younts in particular, although uncomfortable with the postcards continue living their elitist lifestyle and making little to no actual significant changes.