SYG-2000 Final Project

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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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Lovin4 dangerous terrorist. This controversy is only magnified by the government’s attempt to suppress his actions, thus generating social unrest and further dividing the ruled populus. Another possible characteristic of change that could be applied to the film is that some changes matter more than others. V’s rebellion has transcended peaceful protest after the realization that a fundamental reshaping of society cannot occur using these means. Incremental change will not satisfy his goal; therefore, V takes extreme action to insight chaos and push his agenda to the top of social consciousness. 4. Define social movements and define the four types of social movements discussed in your text. Which of these movements best describes the events in the film? What similarities or differences can be drawn from any “real” social movements? Use specific examples from the film and the social movements you have chosen to support your answer. A social movement is the collective and sustained effort of individuals to bring about or prevent social, political, economic or cultural change. This desire for change can be divided into 4 types of social movements: alternative, redemptive, reformative and transformative. Alternative and redemptive movements both seek to transform individuals but with different levels of intensity. Alternative movements desire limited change with a focus on self-improvement, while redemptive movements aim for radical change and total personal transformation. The redemptive movement is typically underlined by spiritual or religious motivations. Reformative and transformative social movements have a broader societal focus on the change they desire to affect. Reformative movements target the existing social order but maintain a limited focus on specific social issues like the environment or social equality. Revolutionary movements seek fundamental and transformative changes for entire aspects of society.

Lovin5 V aims to affect all areas of the social order and fundamentally change the political system, thus aligning him with a revolutionary social movement. V’s use of symbolism, such as his Guy Fawkes mask and the scarlet carson flower, could both be compared to the symbolism utilized by every real social movement across history. The rainbow flag used by advocates of LGBTQ+ community and the raised fist commonly associated with the civil rights movement and the black power movement are both contemporary examples of symbolism used in social movements to convey messages and foster unity. Che Guevara stuck out to me as having very similar methods and motivations to V. Che Guevara has become an iconic symbol of revolutionary ideals, anti- imperialism, and the fight against injustice. His image, often depicted in a stylized and iconic form, is widely recognized as a symbol of resistance. V, wearing the Guy Fawkes mask, has also become a symbol of resistance, particularly against totalitarianism and oppressive governments. The mask, like Che Guevara's image, has been adopted globally as a symbol of defiance and individualism. Guevara actively participated in armed struggles and guerrilla warfare, particularly in Cuba and Bolivia, as part of his commitment to revolutionary causes. V engages in acts of resistance, including bombings and other dramatic gestures, to challenge the authoritarian regime in the film. His methods are theatrical and symbolically powerful. 5. Define symbolic interactionism, how does symbolism factor into social movements? What examples of symbolism are presented in the film and what do the symbols mean? George Herbert Meads theory of symbolic interactionism posits that society is composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning and construct an individual worldview. These symbols include language, objects, and gestures that contribute to the development of shared meanings and social structures. Symbolism plays a vital role in social movements as they connect individuals towards collective goals and express values and identity. Using symbols in

Lovin6 social movements can communicate these goals in a concise and approachable manner thus spreading ideals and allowing the movement to grow. V’s mask and the letter V are both used as symbolism in the film, representing resistance against Norsefire’s oppressive regime and a call for vengeance against an unjust system. The scarlet carson flower is another example of a symbol presented frequently in “V for Vendetta” which is meant to represent resilience in the face of adversity. V places these flowers at the scene of his acts of resistance. Just like in our reality, these symbols serve as a call to action for the growing resistance movement and create a sense of collective responsibility to stand up against Norsefire’s totalitarian control. Works Cited Lumen Learning. (n.d.-a). Collective Behavior . Introduction to Sociology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontosociology/chapter/collective- behavior/ Lumen Learning. (n.d.-b). Forms of Government . Introduction to Sociology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontosociology/chapter/forms-of- government/ Lumen Learning. (n.d.-c). Symbolic Interactionism and the Mcdonaldization of Society . Introduction to Sociology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm- introductiontosociology/chapter/symbolic-interactionism/ Lumen Learning. (n.d.-d). Types and Stages of Social Movements . Introduction to Sociology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontosociology/chapter/types-and-stages- of-social-movements/

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