Ideology and social context – GCSE Moving Image Arts CCEA Revision

Ideology refers to a system of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape our understanding of the world, influencing our behaviours, attitudes, and social structures.
Ideologies are often invisible, taken for granted, and considered natural or common sense. However, they can be revealed and analysed within moving image arts.
Different societies and cultures may have different predominant ideologies. For example, an ideology of individualism is often prevalent in American films.

Moving image arts, like films and television, are a powerful medium for conveying ideologies. They can both reflect and shape societal ideas and norms.
Diegetic elements, such as set design, costumes, and dialogue, can subtly express ideological messages.
Films can endorse, challenge, or interrogate ideologies. For example, a film might question the ideology of capitalism by portraying its negative effects on a certain group of characters.
Even the exclusion or representation of certain groups or perspectives within a film can reflect certain ideologies.

The social context in which a film is produced and received significantly affects its genre and representation.
This includes historical events, societal issues, cultural norms, audience expectations, and popular technological innovations at the time of the film’s creation.
For instance, horror films in the 1950s often mirrored societal fears of nuclear war and communist infiltration.
Films can also reflect changes in societal attitudes. A modern romantic film might feature more diverse relationships than a similar film from the 1950s.

Social context and ideology often determine how genres evolve, and how different themes, characters, and conflicts are represented within these genres.
For example, the superhero genre has evolved from simple morally black-and-white narratives to complex explorations of heroism and power, paralleling changes in societal values and contexts.
Representation within a genre can be influenced by the prevalent ideologies of a certain era. Depictions of heroes, villains, gender roles, and social issues often mirror societal norms and values.
Trends due to social context can lead to the creation of sub-genres. For example, social realism emerged as a response to societal issues such as poverty, racism, and class struggles.

To analyse the role of ideology and social context in moving image arts, look beyond the surface narrative. Consider the overarching themes, symbols, and implied messages.
Consider the historical and cultural context in which the film was made and how this might have influenced its genre, style, and representation.
Question how different characters, groups, or ideologies are represented. Whose perspectives are highlighted, and whose are missing or marginalised? How might these choices reflect or endorse certain ideologies?