Evaluate The Relevance Of Gauntletts Theory Of Identity To Long Form Television Drama

David Gauntletts theory of representations argues that the media have a complex relationship with identities. He believes audiences often get a sense of their own identity from the media they consume. Gauntlett also argues that in the past we used to see very straightforward representations especially concerning gender but now in terms of the new media we see much more complex diverse representations. In terms of stranger things this theory can be applied as Joyce Byers is represented as a struggling single working mum which subverts the traditional representations of women as domestic and living in nuclear families. In the first episode we see Joyce frantically trying to make it to work whilst her eldest son has been put in charge of feeding and taking his younger brother to school as she cannot. It shows that she is not a stereotypical domestic mother and she must make sacrifices to work hard to provide for her family. This creates a modern representation of single mothers which may resonate with the stranger things audience. Stranger things have also created a wider identity of people who grew up in the 80’s creating a nostalgic feeling of looking back on their childhood. Stranger Things makes them want to dig out old VHS tapes and go on adventures on your bike. There are so many references to, and similarities to films such as ET, Home Alone, Stand By Me, The X-Files and The Goonies. This generation loved them and its way to revive these memories and get a sense of their own personal identity from this media. This theory can similarly be applied to the killing as Sarah Lund is represented as a strong working woman but in doing so neglects her home life in place of her career. This also creates a modern representation of intelligent hard-working women however you could also argue this furthers the idea that women can not have both a successful career and home life as opposed to men who are often represented in the media as achieving both. Coinciding with Gauntletts theory this is a much more complex female character with perception and intellect rather than a stay at home domesticated woman whose mind and actions revolved around home life.