This thesis involves an examination of the use of Ideology in Film, specifically the war film "Jarhead". In addressing this subject I use the works of three prominent sociologists, Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels and Antonio Gramsci, as reference points for the study.
The starting point is establishment of a definition of ideology which, overall, satisfies the views of these writers. Having followed Marx’s and Engels’ sketch of the historical evolution of the concept of ideology, I consider sociological perspectives on film, violence and war, giving reference to the film Jarhead. An analysis is then made with regards to four ideological themes identified in the film, considering the effectiveness of the messages being conveyed. This dissertation uses the qualitative research method, being based on previously available information.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
METHODOLOGY
ANALYSIS
CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This dissertation examines the role and influence of ideology in film, using the war film "Jarhead" as a primary case study. By grounding the research in the sociologically significant theories of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Antonio Gramsci, the study explores how filmic narratives can function as tools for ideological communication, the construction of consent, and the maintenance of political and social status quos.
- Theoretical foundations of ideology (Marx, Engels, Gramsci).
- Sociological perspectives on the representation of violence and war in cinema.
- The practice of "othering" and its function in establishing group identity.
- Mechanisms of ideological transmission within "Jarhead".
- The intersection of military recruitment, indoctrination, and capitalist structures.
Excerpt from the Book
SURRENDER OF INDIVIDUALITY
From the first day at boot camp, the recruit’s individuality is targeted: “You are no longer black, or brown… you are green – you are light green or dark green. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?” So Drill Inspector Fitch welcomes the new recruits. The ideological message is quite simple: You are now a member of an elite group (the Marines). You no longer exist as an individual; you are part of the finest fighting force in the world, protecting the greatest democracy in the world.
This concept of surrender of one’s personal individuality is likely to be strange to most members of the public; it takes a special commitment for a person to walk into and remain in a situation in which you are forced to do that. I have mentioned some possible reasons for a person to enlist [see: Fighting to protect America (and loved ones)] But even those who do enlist might be surprised at the extent to which their personalities are challenged. They might be in that “alien relationship” (Marx – mentioned above) through lack of choice. In fact, for many recruits, the reality of soldiering reflects what Karl Marx and Engels see as being for the sake of existing – man enters into relationships with others to satisfy the fundamental needs of shelter, food and clothing.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the research objectives, providing a background on the concept of ideology and the focus on the film "Jarhead".
Literature Review: Explores the theoretical framework of ideology through the lens of Marx, Engels, and Gramsci, focusing on historical evolution, consciousness, and hegemony.
METHODOLOGY: Details the choice of qualitative content analysis and introduces the case study of the film "Jarhead" as an illustrative subject.
ANALYSIS: Examines specific ideological themes within the film, including the sociology of war, military supremacy, and the practice of "othering".
CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, confirming the role of ideology in shaping individual behavior and maintaining established power structures.
Keywords
Ideology, Jarhead, Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Antonio Gramsci, Film Analysis, Sociology of War, Hegemony, Othering, Qualitative Research, Indoctrination, Military, Bourgeoisie, Social Control, Political Discourse
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this dissertation?
This work examines how ideology is utilized and represented within the medium of film, specifically focusing on the war film "Jarhead" as a representative case study.
Which sociological theories are central to this research?
The dissertation relies heavily on the sociological frameworks established by Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Antonio Gramsci to define ideology and analyze its role in society.
What is the core research objective?
The primary objective is to determine how ideologies are communicated through film and to examine whether these ideological roles are presented implicitly or explicitly to the viewer.
What research methodology is employed?
The author uses a qualitative research method, specifically qualitative content analysis, to examine reviews, academic literature, and media articles to support the arguments.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The analysis covers the sociological relationship between ideology and war, the concept of military supremacy, the surrender of individuality in training, and the practice of "othering".
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Ideology, Jarhead, Hegemony, Sociology of War, Othering, Indoctrination, and Bourgeoisie.
How does the film "Jarhead" demonstrate the surrender of individuality?
The film highlights how military training strips recruits of their personal identities—turning them into "green" Marines—to ensure obedience and loyalty to the state-controlled military apparatus.
What does the author mean by "othering" in this context?
It refers to the practice of differentiating the "enemy" as fundamentally inferior or barbaric, which helps justify aggression and maintains group cohesion among the soldiers.
Does the dissertation conclude that "Jarhead" is a pro-war film?
The author views "Jarhead" as an ideological paradox and suggests it functions as a mild critique of war, highlighting the irony and confusion experienced by the soldiers.
- Quote paper
- Raphaelle Sylver-Francis (Author), 2017, The Use of Ideology in Films. "Jarhead" as an example, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/366892
