SYG-2000 Final Project

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2000

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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Lovin1 Elizabeth Lovin Professor Barr SYG-2000 04 December 2023 1. Define the social construction of reality and briefly summarize the three main theories of power in society. Discuss how the society in the film is constructed while comparing and contrasting the three models of power to determine which is best represented in the film and why. Provide specific examples from the film to support your answer. The pluralist model of power centers on the idea that power is distributed among many groups in a society. While the power may not be distributed evenly among these interest groups, none of them hold absolute control, thus decentralizing decision-making and allowing legislation to be made through negotiation and compromise. Established by C. Wright Mills in 1956, the power-elite model proposes that power is concentrated among the powerful or the wealthy. These few, often holding senior ranks in areas of government, economy or military, shape policy in their favor to further maintain a high level of societal control. The Marxist political economy model emphasizes the dominance of a specific socio-economic class of individuals, or the bourgeoisie. This theory presumes that those with power are motivated solely by economic interest or capital gain. This is in contrast with the Power-Elite Model which posits that the ruling class has a broader “elite interest” and may not have any economic dimension. The film “V for Vendetta” portrays a dystopian society in which a small, centralized group, known as Norsefire, holds great influence over major bureaucratic and social institutions.

Lovin2 Norsefire is depicted to have considerable control over the commonalty, while being comprised of a handful wealthy and powerful individuals. This imbalance is best attributed to the power- elite model. Though there are some alignments with the Marxist political economy model, it seems that the elite portrayed in the film desire more than just economic control, as they grasp for dominance in areas of media, political landscape and economic structure. This could imply a desire for an “elite interest” that is not in line with Marx’s theory. 2. Define the four different types of political systems discussed in module 11. Which political system is best represented in the film? Why? Use specific examples from the film to support your conclusions. Monarchy is characterized by a single individual holding supreme power in a political system. This individual is typically a king, queen or emperor with the position often passed down within a royal family and serving until the end of their life. Democracy is a political system in which power is vested in the hands of the people. Citizens play a critical role in the political decision-making processes, emphasizing the protecting of individual rights and freedoms. Authoritarianism is a style of government in which a small group of rulers demand absolute obedience from the ruled. Authoritarian regimes suppress dissent, control media and restrict political freedoms, thus making highly centralized decision-making. Totalitarianism is a more extreme form of authoritarianism which features even more control and less individual freedom. The goal of this political system is to create ideological uniformity, which is achieved via invasive surveillance, indoctrination and harsh punishment.

Lovin3 “V for Vendetta” firmly falls in line with the ideology of totalitarianism. The Norsefire regime, headed by High Chancellor Adam Sutler, exercises pervasive control over all aspects of citizens’ lives. The widespread surveillance, censorship, propaganda and violent force used are all indicative of a government that wants to create ideological uniformity in the social and political lives of the population. Some specific instances of this assertion of authority include employment of a secret police, known as the Fingermen. The Fingermen use brutal tactics to enforce the will of the government, instilling fear and suppressing any form of opposition. This is established in the opening scene of the movie with our female protagonist Evey being violently harassed by the Fingermen for being out past curfew. This representation of a totalitarian government further emphasizes the power-elite model over the Marxist political economy model, as Norsefire has a higher socio-political agenda rather than just economic dominance. 3. What is social change? Which of the four characteristics of social change do you think best represents the events in the film? If you think more than one of the characteristics fits just describe them and why they fit. Lastly, what do you see as the primary cause for any social change that may occur in this society? Use specific examples from the film to support your conclusions. Social change refers to the transformation of culture, societal institutions and structures. This results in a measurable difference from the previous state of society, whether it's in aspects of normative behavior, collective values, or social order. These changes can be brought about by technological innovations, political challenges or economic development. The most fitting characteristic of social change represented in the film is that social change is controversial. V’s resistance movement is depicted as highly controversial within the fictional society of the film, with some citizens viewing him as a hero and others characterizing him as a

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