Marxist Approach on Media

• Marxists believe that the media is part of the superstructure of society & that is supports the economic base, which is controlled by the Bourgeoisie
• Louis Althusser (1971) is a modern Marxist who developed the idea of Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA's)
• Louis Althusser is a modern Marxist who developed the idea of Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA's) in 1971
• Louis Althusser (1971) argued that capitalist societies have survived not simply forcing workers to accept the system but by developing Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA's)
• Louis Althusser (1971) conceptualised Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA's), such as the Media, which transmits ideas that legitimate or justify the capitalist system and its class inequalities
• Louis Althusser (1971) conceptualised Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA's) which include the education system, mass media, families & religion
• Louis Althusser (1971) conceptualised Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA's) and used ideas of how the media helps entertain the Proletariat and make their lives more bearable and encourage them to see the consumption of goods created by Capitalism as a priority
• Ideological State Apparatuses = These are agencies, such as the media which spread the ideology of the ruling class & justify their dominance
• Marxists believe that the media diverts the attention of the Proletariat, helping to create a 'false class-consciousness' whereby the Proletariat cannot see an alternative to the Capitalist System
• Marxists believe that the media is part of the Superstructure, meaning it helps support the economic base (infrastructure) of society - Since the media is controlled by the Bourgeoisie, it works to maintain their power by promoting ideas and beliefs that keep the current capitalist system in place, shaping how people think and distracting them from the inequalities caused by capitalism