Marxism and Hegemony

 Task 1: Mail Online review of Capital

1) Re-read the Mail Online review of Capital. Why does it suggest that Capital features a left-wing ideology?

The Daily Mail review argues that Capital leans towards a left-wing perspective because it focuses on themes like gentrification, immigration, and economic inequality. The show presents a London where the wealthy are often disconnected or selfish, while working-class and immigrant characters are portrayed with more empathy. 

2) Choose three quotes from the review that are particularly critical of Capital and paste them into your blogpost. Do you agree with the criticisms? Why?

Honestly, you’ll get rid of your family after Christmas faster than this feeble drama departed.

The last 20 minutes contained no plot.

The concept went nowhere.

I believe that this drama is effective to some extent as it carries multiple themes such: immigration, economic disparity and class.

3) What scenes or characters from Capital could be read as promoting left-wing ideology?

Quentina : An illegal immigrant working as a traffic warden, her character highlights the struggles of undocumented workers and critiques strict immigration policies.

The Kamal Family: Pakistani shop owners facing economic challenges, representing the hardships of small business owners amidst gentrification and economic disparity

The anonymous postcards ("We Want What You Have") act as a symbol of frustration with wealth inequality, suggesting that capitalism leaves many people feeling excluded.

4) What about the other side of the argument - are there any aspects of Capital that reinforce right-wing or capitalist viewpoints?

Roger the banker initially represents financial success, showing how wealth provides comfort and opportunities. His downfall doesn’t fully discredit capitalism—it just reminds us that money doesn’t solve everything.

Task 2: Media Factsheet - Applying Marxism 

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet #66: Applying Marxism. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level or online here (you'll need your Greenford Google login to access). Read the factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What does Marxism suggest regarding power in society?

Marxism argues that power is concentrated in the hands of the ruling class (the bourgeoisie), who control wealth, businesses, and even the media. This elite group maintains power by shaping ideas and beliefs, ensuring that the working class (the proletariat) accepts the system rather than challenging it. Media plays a huge role in this by normalizing inequality—presenting wealth and success as deserved, while struggles are seen as personal failures .

2) Why is The Apprentice a good example of the media reinforcing capitalist values and ideologies?

The Apprentice celebrates competition and individualism, suggesting that success comes purely from hard work and determination. But in reality, not everyone starts from the same position in life.

It presents failure as a personal flaw—if you don’t succeed, you simply “weren’t good enough.” This ignores how factors like background, education, and privilege influence opportunities.

Lord Sugar represents the elite, and contestants must prove their worth to him. This reinforces the idea that the rich and powerful determine who gets a chance at success

4) Look at the bullet points on page 4 of the factsheet:

When making a Marxist reading of a text, look out for representations that:

• show the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass
• show queries or challenges to the base as meaningless, foolish or anti-social via ‘failed revolt’
• show the subdominant position of the masses as a naturalised idea
• show the values of the power elite as ‘natural’ or ‘right’
• show that being a member of the mass is a good thing
• show the masses accepting the values of the power elite
• show the values of the power elite as being ‘for the good of the masses’ (even when unpleasant)

Now try applying those bullet points to Capital. Think about the setting, characters and narrative strands - how many of the bullet points apply to Capital? Does Capital reinforce or challenge the values of capitalism? Give examples from episode 1 to support your points

Showing the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass

• The rising house prices on Pepys Road are portrayed as beneficial to homeowners, reinforcing the capitalist idea that property investment leads to prosperity. However, for working-class residents and immigrants, this becomes a source of financial struggle, highlighting economic inequality.

Showing queries or challenges to the base as meaningless, foolish, or anti-social via ‘failed revolt’

• The anonymous postcards stating "We Want What You Have" initially seem like a challenge to the capitalist system, but they ultimately lead to confusion rather than meaningful action. This could be interpreted as a ‘failed revolt’—the dissatisfaction with wealth inequality is presented

Showing the subdominant position of the masses as a naturalised idea

• Characters like Quentina, an illegal immigrant working as a traffic warden, accept their struggles with little hope for change. Her story suggests that lower-class suffering is normalized, reflecting how capitalism perpetuates social hierarchies.

Showing the values of the power elite as ‘natural’ or ‘right’

• Roger, a wealthy banker, is shown as entitled to his luxurious lifestyle, even when he is financially struggling. His desire for a £1 million bonus reinforces the notion that wealth accumulation is justified within capitalism.

Showing that being a member of the mass is a good thing

• The Kamal family represents the hardworking, small-business owners who find fulfillment in their community, aligning with the idea that the working class is morally superior despite economic struggles.

Showing the masses accepting the values of the power elite

• Many characters, particularly the homeowners, accept the capitalist system and aspire to accumulate wealth. Even those who suffer under capitalism, like Quentina, do not actively challenge it.

Showing the values of the power elite as being ‘for the good of the masses’ (even when unpleasant)

The police investigation into the postcards suggests that law enforcement, an institution that upholds the capitalist state, is acting in the interest of the people. However, the series also critiques the system by showing the struggles of marginalized groups.

Capital presents a mixed view of capitalism. It reinforces capitalist values by showing homeownership as a path to success and portraying financial ambition as natural. However, it challenges capitalism by exposing wealth inequality, immigration struggles, and the impact of gentrification.