Ethnic Groups

Identify five television programmes that you regularly watch, include one news programme. Complete the chart below identifying the representation of different ethnic groups. Given the demographic data to what extent do you think the representation of different ethnic groups on the television is fair? Is there any racism in the programme?

Look up the research of Van Dijk (1991) to help.

Television programme	Representation	Racism

Hint

Look for:

Stereotypes
Do the characters play a lead or just minor parts?
How often are the characters in the programmes criminals?
How often are the characters portrayed as a threat?
How much negative language is used and about whom?
Are all minority ethnic groups treated in the same way?

Follow on task

The Runnymede Trust conducted some research in 2013 on 750 adults from a range of minority and majority ethnic groups.
Read through the article on the research by the Runnymede Trust and identify three or four key statistics that you will be able to remember with regard to racism in the media and peoples’ perceptions of the racism.
https://diversityuk.org/78-believe-way-media-portrays-ethnic-minorities-promotes-racism/

Look up Malik’s research (2008)

Reflect on Van Dijk’s research (1991)

To what extent has there been a change/improvement since 1991?

Now follow the same process for the other social groups listed at the start. Ensure you identify 2/3 sociologists who have done research with the particular social group and know and understand what they say about the representation of the particular group.