Critically consider why the link between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary
...unction with certain sets of signifiers, in that a majority of people attempting to define the signified from the signifier will end up with similar meanings. These similar derived meanings can be attributed to the structure of our language, and that we use language during the construction of meaning in order to make sense of the sign. Because we share this language with other people, we are already, in part, thinking like them as well, and therefore have no control over certain derived meanings. Q2. The role of ideology and hegemony in the production of meaning. The definitions of both ideology and hegemony have long been a debated topic. The difficulty arising from such endeavours is due to their complex position and influence on social semiotics. It can be said that ideology exists in everyday converse as the common sense of society, providing a framework, a guideline on how best to act in situations arising from social interaction, and that this ideology exists beneath consciousness. It is profoundly unconscious, and therefore by this definition is free of individual’s manipulation, rather existing in its original state, untouched. Due to this nature, it cannot be removed from the everyday, like political or other views can be, and will always exist, providing a role for an individual’s production of meaning. The failure of individual’s to see ideologies true meaning is not a direct result of a conscious effort to mask this meaning by other parties within society, thus allowing ideology to be resistant to change or modification. When correctly viewed, ideology can present an individual with a picture of how something fits into the existing scheme. This is a powerful tool that would allow that individual to produce meaning that is both correct, correct in the sense of ideology being immersed within common sense and therefore proving its content, and relevant to society. In stark comparison with ideology, the term hegemony is one that exists within the openness of society and is used to describe a situation where a coalition of certain social groups exerts social power and authority over others. For the term hegemony to be used correctly, this exertion of power must appear to be legitimate and come about naturally. This legitimacy ensures that society is able to function and that communication between the classes exists. By appearing to be ‘naturally’ in control, the ruling class can exert influence, in the form of ideals, into the subordinate classes structure, thereby maintaining and further strengthening their dominant position. The ruling class is able to conduct this because they own the means by which ideas are passed into society, namely mass media and therefore have greater opportunities to make the rules by which society abides by. Consequently, the situation that hegemony allows for is one where the production of meaning by individuals within the subordinate classes is greatly influenced and guided by what they receive from the media, which is the ideas of the ruling class. For this ruling class, their production of meaning will be influenced by what is needed to maintain their elevated status within society. Q3. The Culture Industry. The industry of culture has been a much explored social construct for many years now, and has been well covered by writers the likes of Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer and Walter Benjamin. They have presented us with contrasting views about the influence and effects that culture has on society. Adorno and Horkheimer hail from the Frankfurt school of thought, and during their writings have attempted to analyse and discuss what culture is and how it functions. They believe in a utopian vision, where culture should be an avenue for communication and communitive action, the vessel that will allow the individual to transcend the everyday. According to Adorno and Horkheimer, these are the functions of culture because culture is all about ...