BINARY STRUCTUALISM

BINARY STRUCTUALISM

What is Binary Structuralism?

Binary Structuralism (Opposition) is a representation which broken into two parts, one being correct (or ideal), and the other being incorrect or bad. e.g.-

Binary Oppositions

Adult - Child

Alien - Human

Deceitful - Honest

Dependant - Self Sufficient

Industrialisation - Medieval

Male - Female

Masculine - Feminine

Patriarchal - Matriarchal

Prisoner - Civilian

Organic - Technological

Violent - Harmless

Age:

• Youths are seen as being troublemakers, usually violent , inexperienced and quite powerless. On the other hand, still can be very clever. This theory is usually from the elderly's perspective.
• Professionals are seen as the ones who hold onto the power.
• Old Age is seen as ultra-conservative, old fashioned and out of touch with reality, quite weak and forgetful.

Youths

Professionals

Old Age

Race:

• EMG's (Ethnic Minority Group) are portrayed as subservient in work roles.
• Often EMG's are involved in drugs, violence and anti-social behaviour
• EMG's are often self aware of the inability to climb up the social ladder.

Drugs

Violence

Anti-Social Behaviour

Class:

• Upper Class associations stick to their own socially, do not like to mix
• Any interaction with lower classes are involved in employe/employee relationships or any dirty work
• Usually seen highly educated/albeit ignorant to the plights of the lower class

Gender:

• Objectification to be sexual objects for men
• Women are often subservient to men, in both professional and personal relationship (stereotype?)

Sexuality:

• Homosexuals are often portrayed as ultra-feminine or ultra-masculine depending on the gender or how they feel or act..
• Work roles are usually hospitality or industry based. (designer, bar club).
• Party-boy lifestyle prevalent (sex, drugs, partying)

Region:

• Regional representations are often ignorant to the ideals mainstream culture
• Regional representation often very heavily stereotyped
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