1. MS1 Representations and Responses – Case Study
Benefits Street
Produced by Love Productions (for Channel 4)
Aired 6th
January 2014 over 5 weekly episodes
This is how channel 4 describe the show:
This documentary series reveals the reality of life on
benefits, as the residents of one of Britain's most
benefit-dependent streets invite cameras into their
tight-knit community
The show is produced in the format of a documentary and mixes interviews with footage
of the day-to-day lifestyles of the residents of James Turner St in the Winson Green
area of Birmingham. It has been reported that 90% of residents on this street are in
receipt of state benefits.
The show attracted an usual amount of media attention with supporters claiming the
show brought to light a difficult and topical issue with honesty and balance. Others
criticised the show for being little more than exploitation and ‘poverty porn’.
Communications regulator Ofcom received over 1800 complaints and is currently
launching an investigation over alleged exploitation of the residents, some of whom
have since complained that they were misled by Channel 4 producers.
Viewing figures for the show were as high as 6.5 million with an audience share of 18%,
making it one of the most popular shows on TV that week.
Using the box below as a starting point, mind map why the show is
suitable for Channel 4
Benefits St on C4
2. MS1 Representations and Responses – Case Study
White Dee
White Dee reinforces working class stereotypes
because …
However, this is challenged when we see her…
I would argue that she conforms to/challenges
established hegemonic representations of working class culture
as…
Fungi
Fungi is a problematic character to pigeon hole
because…
Stereotypical representations are evident when we
see…
Taking this into consideration, representation of Fungi
is…
Danny
As a character type, Danny can only reinforce hegemonic
values held by the wider public regarding benefits claimants. For
example…
This is particularly evident in one scene where we see…
Smoggy
Smoggy is one of the few characters in the programme
who position the audience to rethink established prejudices
about benefits claimants. For example…
Smoggy is comparable to White Dee because…
In one particular scene, Smoggy’saltruistic behaviour
shows him to be…
