How does the mass media play a role in socialization? Consider the last time you viewed a television show, a movie, listened to a radio broadcast, or read an article from a newspaper or journal. Who was the intended audience? What factors might determine who the intended audience is
What forms of deviance are evident in the mass media? Identify an example of deviance portrayed in the mass media. How might this behavior affect the audience? Explain the cause of the social deviance based on one of the sociological perspectives
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The mass media plays a significant role in socialization by shaping and influencing our beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors. It acts as a powerful tool for transmitting cultural norms and societal expectations to the masses. It helps inform individuals about various social issues, events, and trends and presents them with different perspectives and viewpoints.
When considering the last time you viewed a television show, a movie, listened to a radio broadcast, or read an article from a newspaper or journal, it is important to analyze who the intended audience was. The intended audience can be determined by several factors such as:
1. Demographics: Media content is often created with specific demographics in mind, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, education level, and cultural background. For example, a children's cartoon is intended for a younger audience, while a documentary on a complex scientific subject might target individuals with higher education.
2. Advertising and revenue: Media outlets often tailor their content to attract specific audiences that advertisers are interested in. For instance, if a TV show attracts a predominantly young adult audience, it is more likely to air commercials targeting that demographic.
3. Content and genre: Different media formats cater to specific interests and preferences. For instance, a sports magazine is primarily targeted towards sports enthusiasts, while a fashion magazine may target individuals interested in fashion and beauty.
4. Media platforms: Different media platforms have different audience reach and preferences. Content designed for social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok may appeal to a younger audience, while prime-time television shows may target a broader demographic.
Deviance in the mass media refers to behaviors or actions that violate societal norms or expectations. It can include criminal activities, sensationalized behavior, or any actions that are considered outside the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.
One example of deviance portrayed in the mass media is the glorification of violent behavior in movies and video games. These forms of media often depict violent actions as exciting, heroic, or even humorous, thereby desensitizing the audience to the real-life consequences of violence. This can potentially increase the acceptance or tolerance of violence in society.
Understanding the cause of social deviance based on a sociological perspective can vary. Let's take the example of violent behavior portrayed in the media:
- Functionalist perspective: From a functionalist perspective, deviance may be seen as a response to an imbalance or dysfunction in society. In this case, the media may reflect and reinforce the existing social order. Some sociologists argue that violent media can serve as a "safety valve" by allowing individuals to channel their aggressive tendencies vicariously through media consumption, preventing them from engaging in actual violence.
- Conflict perspective: From a conflict perspective, deviance might be seen as a result of power struggles and inequalities within society. The portrayal of violent behavior in media may reflect the dominance of powerful groups or individuals who profit from the production and consumption of such content. It can perpetuate a culture of violence and reinforce existing power dynamics.
- Symbolic interactionist perspective: From a symbolic interactionist perspective, deviance can be viewed as a result of social interactions and the meanings attached to certain behaviors. The media's portrayal of violent behavior may shape the audience's perception and definitions of violence. It can influence how individuals interpret and respond to violent actions in real life.
In summary, the mass media plays a crucial role in socialization by influencing our beliefs, values, and behavior. The intended audience of media content is determined by various factors, including demographics, advertising, content, and media platforms. Deviance in the mass media refers to behaviors that violate societal norms, and examples such as the glorification of violence can desensitize the audience to real-life consequences. The causes of social deviance can be understood from different sociological perspectives, including the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives.