Question: Define the concept of representation as it is understood in media studies. Use Hall’s reading and the reading of “Meaning Representation and Power”

Expert answer

One of the key concepts in media studies is representation. Representation is a way of signifying something – usually an idea, object or person – within a larger system of meaning. It is important to note that representations are not simply copies or replicas of what they signify; rather, they are products of specific social and cultural contexts that shape how they are produced and understood.

Hall’s reading on representation is helpful in understanding how this concept works. He argues that all cultures have ways of representing the world around them, but these representations are never neutral or objective; instead, they are always partial and subjective. This is because our understanding of the world is shaped by our own particular perspectives and experiences. As such, when we create representations of the world, we do so from our own unique perspective, which inevitably leads to some degree of distortion or bias.

The reading from “Meaning Representation and Power” is also useful in understanding how representation works. This reading argues that meaning is not simply something that exists within an object or person; rather, it is something that is created through the act of representing that object or person. In other words, meaning is something that is produced through a process of signification. This process is always shaped by power relations, which means that those who have more power are able to control the meaning-making process to a greater extent.

Overall, then, it is clear that representation is a complex concept that cannot be reduced to simple copies or replicas. It is always partial and subjective, and it is shaped by the particular social and cultural context in which it is produced. Understanding how representation works is essential for understanding how media texts are produced and circulated, and how they come to have meaning for audiences.