The Marxist Approach

Dominant ideology-set of common values and beliefs shared by most people in a given society, framing how the majorities think about a range of topics. Marxists believe that powerful institutions cleverly control the way in which we conduct our lives within society. They also believe that the dominant ideology serves the interests of the ruling class. These powerful institutions range from organisations such as the Press, Television, Internet, music industries etc. These industries have the power to form societies lives and ideologies. Their control is hegemonic as it indirectly manipulates societies beliefs, explanations, perceptions and values. It influences the manner in which society views the world until the message becomes ‘common sense’ and unchallenged by the masses. Hegemonic control is an acceptance of the ‘status quo’.