Media and Technology - Conflict Perspective

Media and Technology SOCI 1306 Conflict Perspective The conflict view, which emphasises how inequality is created and maintained in society, provides a strong refutation of the functional approach. The conflict view contends that power conflicts and inequities create fundamental inequalities in society, in contrast to the functional perspective, which holds that social institutions and processes cooperate to sustain societal stability and cohesiveness. One of the main domains in which this difference is glaringly apparent is media and technology, which is embodied in the notion of the "digital divide." The divide between those who easily access digital and information technologies, such as computers and the internet, and those who do not, is described by this word. This gap has significant effects on social mobility, economic opportunity, and education beyond just being a convenient division. The digital gap may be viewed as an expression of wider societal inequality from a conflict viewpoint. Richer, primarily White populations have better access to resources and media than poorer, frequently minority ones. Access to media and technology is generally apportioned along racial, socioeconomic, and geographic lines. Because of the unequal distribution of technology resources, social hierarchies continue to persist, and those with privilege and authority continue to reap the disproportionate advantages of technological growth. Rich suburban communities in the United States, for example, usually have superior internet infrastructure and a higher proportion of homes with multiple digital devices than inner-city or rural areas, where people may have poor internet connections and restricted computer access. Conflict theorists contend that laws and practices that benefit the privileged are to blame for the intentional creation of this digital gap rather than it being an unintentional consequence of technology advancement. They draw attention to the fact that a few number of powerful companies and affluent individuals control the majority of the media and technology, and they utilise this power to sway public opinion and uphold their domination. In order to maintain their positions of power, these media conglomerates frequently support content that matches the attitudes, beliefs, and interests of the upper-middle-class White demographic. As a result, there is an underrepresentation or misrepresentation of the experiences and voices of marginalised groups in the media, especially those of the working class and people of colour. The dominant group's social position is legitimised and reinforced by the propagation of norms and values that promote its interests. For instance, media representations frequently highlight individual achievement tales that conform to the meritocratic ideal, implying that anybody may succeed with perseverance and hard effort. These narratives minimise the systemic obstacles encountered by marginalised groups and redirect attention from systemic injustice to personal accountability. By creating a sense of acceptance or complacency among the general public and deflecting attention from the social and economic policies that uphold their privileged status, this ideological framing serves the interests of the elite. Conflict theorists also look at how ownership and control of the media affect the range of information and opinions that the general public may access. A few strong companies dominate the media landscape, thereby reducing the variety of viewpoints and information available. Because of the concentration of media ownership, programming becomes more homogenised and frequently represents the owners' prejudices and interests rather than the varied realities of the audience. Because of this, significant problems that impact marginalised communities—like systemic racism, economic inequality, and environmental justice—either receive less attention or are presented in ways that support the beliefs of the dominant group. Beyond news and entertainment, this media management has an influence on civic involvement and education as well. The digital gap makes educational disparities worse by preventing children from low-income households from participating in remote learning, accessing online resources, and acquiring the digital literacy skills necessary for today's workforce. For example, the move to online learning during the COVID-19 epidemic brought to light the glaring differences in access to technology, with many students from underprivileged families lagging behind owing to a lack of gadgets or dependable internet connections. Given the strong correlation between educational achievement and social mobility as well as economic opportunity, this educational divide serves to further entrench social inequality. The digital divide impacts civic engagement in addition to education. Having access to digital tools and platforms is becoming more and more necessary for political activity, including online advocacy, community organising, and staying up to date on current events. The voices of the marginalised are underrepresented in political processes, creating a democratic deficit where those without proper access are essentially shut out of various facets of civic life. By guaranteeing that policy decisions represent the interests of the technologically savvy rather than the demands of the general public, this digital exclusion upholds the existing power disparity. Conflict theorists also examine how technology affects employment and the economy. Though the gig economy and job automation are sometimes hailed as positive developments, they also draw attention to how unstable many people's jobs are. Technology undermines conventional labour markets, often to the cost of people who lack the means or expertise to adjust, even while it may also open up new opportunities. Because of this, a new class of people known as the "digital underclass" is created, one that is not able to take advantage of technology improvements and is more likely to experience employment insecurity and economic instability. In conclusion, the conflict perspective offers an important prism through which to view the connection between inequality, technology, and the media. It casts doubt on the idea that technology advancement is essentially positive or neutral, emphasising instead how it may worsen and strengthen already-existing socioeconomic inequalities. Conflict theorists highlight the ways in which the digital divide upholds structural inequalities and advances the interests of the powerful by concentrating on who controls the media and how access to technology is disseminated. This viewpoint advocates for a more equitable strategy that gives marginalised populations' inclusion and empowerment top priority when it comes to technology advancement and media exposure.