Hello there folks!
It has been a long time without updates for fans of all things social science. Well, I have not been idle, that is certain. I have just submitted the latest essay, (TMA 03).This has been very interesting for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was in two parts (cue, ironic cheering), and secondly, the source material for the essays were data from census returns and from a leaflet advertising the area of Stratford, in London, which is gearing itself up to host next year's Olympiad.
The thrust of the essays were to comment on identities of the population and area based upon certain quantitative data from the 2001census, and from the aforementioned leaflet. The first part seemed relatively easy, a case of say what you see. However, after writing 5 pages of notes in preparation for writing 500 words of an essay, it reminded me of the old saying that there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. I am being taught to look at the world in a slightly different way, as having many layers and meanings. On this part of my degree course, that is looking at contemporary UK society through consumption. So, taking a statistical table and simply saying that the population of a town lives mainly in a certain type of house, or work in a certain type of job, simply won't cut it. This is where case studies fall down. Take one figure, that of the percentage of population of Stratford (as given on census returns) is 38.2% White British. There are some 'political' parties who would no doubt be horrified by this figure. The percentage for England as a whole is 87%, so if you happen upon any BNP muppets (or EDL et al, or Daily Mail readers), you can now refute their claims that the country is overrun by job stealing, benefit sponging Johnny Foreigner.
The second part of the essay focussed on what Newham Borough Council refers to as a 'Tourist Information' leaflet. There is obviously a mention of the impending festival of sport next summer, but only at the beginning, then the end of the text. Everything in between is about consumption (for those who can do so effectively). It is not so much about tourist information as much as it is about the existing shopping centre, the cafes, the theatre, the new shopping centre being built which, it is claimed, 'will rival any in the country'. Hmmmm. Contained in the leaflet is a photograph. It is fairly innocuous at first glance. Two women having a coffee in a cafe. White women. Young white women.(Look back to earlier blog entry on 'the Seduced and the Repressed). Firstly, the target demograph for the text is people who can effectively consume. How do I know? There are 10 paragraphs in the text. 7 of these draw attention to things which will require the spending of money on goods and/or services. Consumption.
Look back to the census figures of 2001, (38.2% White British). Then consider a paragraph from the text which describes Stratford is having 'the most diverse population in the UK'. Represented by a couple of white chicks. This brings us back to the figure of 87% White British in England. Here is your target demograph for the tourist information leaflet, or if you prefer, sales pitch. So, to whom are Newham Borough Council hoping to sell Stratford to? You, if you can afford it, if you are seduced into it.
It has been a long time without updates for fans of all things social science. Well, I have not been idle, that is certain. I have just submitted the latest essay, (TMA 03).This has been very interesting for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was in two parts (cue, ironic cheering), and secondly, the source material for the essays were data from census returns and from a leaflet advertising the area of Stratford, in London, which is gearing itself up to host next year's Olympiad.
The thrust of the essays were to comment on identities of the population and area based upon certain quantitative data from the 2001census, and from the aforementioned leaflet. The first part seemed relatively easy, a case of say what you see. However, after writing 5 pages of notes in preparation for writing 500 words of an essay, it reminded me of the old saying that there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. I am being taught to look at the world in a slightly different way, as having many layers and meanings. On this part of my degree course, that is looking at contemporary UK society through consumption. So, taking a statistical table and simply saying that the population of a town lives mainly in a certain type of house, or work in a certain type of job, simply won't cut it. This is where case studies fall down. Take one figure, that of the percentage of population of Stratford (as given on census returns) is 38.2% White British. There are some 'political' parties who would no doubt be horrified by this figure. The percentage for England as a whole is 87%, so if you happen upon any BNP muppets (or EDL et al, or Daily Mail readers), you can now refute their claims that the country is overrun by job stealing, benefit sponging Johnny Foreigner.
The second part of the essay focussed on what Newham Borough Council refers to as a 'Tourist Information' leaflet. There is obviously a mention of the impending festival of sport next summer, but only at the beginning, then the end of the text. Everything in between is about consumption (for those who can do so effectively). It is not so much about tourist information as much as it is about the existing shopping centre, the cafes, the theatre, the new shopping centre being built which, it is claimed, 'will rival any in the country'. Hmmmm. Contained in the leaflet is a photograph. It is fairly innocuous at first glance. Two women having a coffee in a cafe. White women. Young white women.(Look back to earlier blog entry on 'the Seduced and the Repressed). Firstly, the target demograph for the text is people who can effectively consume. How do I know? There are 10 paragraphs in the text. 7 of these draw attention to things which will require the spending of money on goods and/or services. Consumption.
Look back to the census figures of 2001, (38.2% White British). Then consider a paragraph from the text which describes Stratford is having 'the most diverse population in the UK'. Represented by a couple of white chicks. This brings us back to the figure of 87% White British in England. Here is your target demograph for the tourist information leaflet, or if you prefer, sales pitch. So, to whom are Newham Borough Council hoping to sell Stratford to? You, if you can afford it, if you are seduced into it.
