Structuralism: blog tasks

 Structuralism: blog tasks

Create a new blog task called 'Structuralism and post-structuralism' on your Media 1 Exam blog (exam teacher). Complete the following tasks:

Part 1: Media Factsheet reading

Use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive to find Factsheet #90 Applying Structuralism and Post-Structuralism. Read the Factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What is the definition of structuralism provided by the Factsheet? 

Structuralism is a theoretical perspective that emphasises the

existence of universal structures underlying the surface

differences and assumed randomness of various cultures, stories

and media texts. For example, this theory suggests that there are

‘structures’ inherent in narratives so patterns can be observed

even across texts that appear to be unconnected.

2) What are binary oppositions and why are they important?

Think about Levi-Strauss’ use of binary oppositions and make

lists of adjectives that are associated with the terms ‘husband’

as opposed to ‘wife’, ‘brother’ as opposed to ‘sister’, and ‘parent’

as opposed to ‘child’. Look for patterns and think about how

the binary opposition link to other opposites.

Levi-Strauss saw language as an important aspect of culture because

it allows people to categorise and represent objects and ideas with

symbols.

3) How do genre and auteur theory link to structuralism? 

Genre and auteur theory are also examples of a structuralist way of

analysing texts. Structuralist approaches to genre emphasise

patterns that can be identified across a range of texts and usually

focus on identifying key conventions within a genre.

4) Look at page 4 of the factsheet. What is post-structuralism?

In order to understand post-structuralism, it is essential to use structuralism as a point of comparison. Whereas structuralism is interested

in the ‘internal’ structures of the text itself, post-structuralism is interested in how ‘external’ structures can affect meaning.

5) What is your own opinion on this theory? Do you agree that we use established structures to understand the media (such as narrative and genre) or is the power now with audiences in a digital, post-structuralist media landscape? 

I believe that we live in a post-structuralism society where everyone is entitled to their own option and will voice that, therefore even if a producer intends to release something which is structuralism it will always end up being post- structuralism.

Part 2: The Mitchells vs The Machines analysis

Watch the trailer for The Mitchells vs The Machines: 

Write an analysis of the trailer from both a structuralist and post-structuralist perspective. 

The following may help you:

Structuralist: what established narratives, genres or conventions can be found in the trailer? 

They are aiming to go for the target audience of children and teenagers, it also portray the importance of understanding family struggles and how there are no ideal and perfect family showing the audience that every family has their flaws, the genre and convention may be sci-fi and adventure. It also shows the importance of being yourself and not trying to fit in.

Post-structuralist: how does the trailer reject traditional structures and instead offer something new (e.g. incorporating elements of YouTube meme culture, audiences as producers of meaning or subverting expectations of narrative or character).

The teenage girl is not a typical girl as you could say she is not lady like, feminine or put together, due to their family not being as put together and structured although ideally they fall under the general and ideal family type, they still look up to the more functional families and attempt to be them, its also unusual see a girl attempting to save the world.