Class Stereotypes

DR CAGES

Stereotypes include:

• upper class-rich, well-dressed, posh, snobby
• middle class-wears suits, well educated
• lower class
• working class-factory workers, little money

Stereotypical portrayals in the media:

This is a stereotypical view of what upper and high middle class people are portrayed as-most hold the demographic of A and B. The image used highlights the stereotypical appearance of richer people, as well as the way society judges them in disgust and hate. It also creates an impression that people of a higher class don't like to blend in with lower classes and want to show off their money, where they like to dominate. Moreover, the suggestion indicated by the lower classes is that '20% ruthlessly protects its own interests'. The pronoun 'its' highlights that lower classes don't see the rich as people, because of their lack of respect and kindness towards others.


By watching this Virgin Atlantic advert, we are presented with the attitude that the upper class are luxurious and all like to show off their wealth. However, not all rich people are noticeable in their appearance, and some may not even care how they travel. Some may want to travel in luxury, whilst others don't want to be noticed by their wealth. It is a stereotypical portrayal of upper class travel. In some cases, middle classes may have opportunities to travel like this, but may feel out of place because they do not consider themselves as 'upper class'.

This article published by the Mail Online highlights objects that 'only the upper middle classes own'. It almost implies that if you are not in the middle class, then you shouldn't own these, which could make people think twice about what they can and can't have-even though anyone can choose what they would like and wouldn't like to own. It puts middle class people in a stereotypical position, whereby owning certain things is seen as 'posh', so we assume that all rich people have a posh attitude and way of speaking.


Countertype portrayals in the media:

This is a counter-typical portrayal of 'wealthy families' , because it goes against the stereotypical representation of upper classes. When we think of rich families, we often associate the with having long-lasting money passed down through generations, or through a well-paid job or business. Although, it is said that families will 'lose their fortunes in three generations', which informs us that the rich will not stay rich for long. It highlights that money doesn't last, which could annoy the wealthy, as they know they cannot attain their wealth for several generations.