Binary StructuralismBinary Structures and Media

What is Binary Structuralism?• In films there are always two distinct types of characters• Powerful and Powerless• The way in which these two types of characters are

shown is broken into 6 very important sub-genres:• AGE, RACE, CLASS, GENDER, SEXUALITY and REGION• With media in the UK; white British people take up the

majority of Britain, therefore the majority of media in the UK is aimed at White British people in a positive light.

Age • Age plays a big part of the binary structure.• Youth are seen as trouble makers, violent. Some can be clever but are

inexperienced and powerless in the bigger scheme of things • Professionals are seen as the ones who hold power.• Old age is seen as old fashioned and out of touch with reality • Here are some stereotypical pictures that would represent how these age

groups are shown in media.

Race • Race is an important part of the binary structure.• For example in England the majority of people are British so

TV programmes will be aimed to appeal the majority so the programme gets high ratings.

• EMG’S (ethic minority groups) are portrayed as subservient roles.

• They often involve drugs, violence and anti-social behaviour.• EMG’S are often self aware of the inability to climb the social

ladder.

Class• The upper class usually stick to their own, socially.• Interactions between lower and upper class usually involves

a employer/employee relationship• Upper class are usually seen as educated, snobby and

highly ignorant• Lower classes are seen to be working without any future job

prospects and are poor and weak

• Women are presented as sexual objects only to be admired by men

•  They are often shown in subservient roles to men who are portrayed to be powerful

• Men are presented as strong, the greater and the more powerful, compared to women.

Gender

Sexuality• Homosexuals are portrayed as ultra-feminine or ultra-masculine

depending on the gender role they play• Their work roles are usually hospitality or industry based • Party boy lifestyle prevalent

Region • Regional representation are often ignorant to the ideals of

mainstream culture• Regional representations are often heavily stereotyped