Mass media and social change in Britain, 1882–2004 - 3 Media in the…

The idea

Film and television in 1960s Britain reflected and shaped social issues and prejudices. Programmes like Cathy Come Home (1966) exposed homelessness, prompting public debate. Till Death Us Do Part (1965) used racist language to satirise prejudice, while films like Alfie (1966) explored sexism. These media engaged audiences by making hidden problems visible, though they could also reinforce stereotypes. In response to perceived moral decline, Mary Whitehouse founded the National Viewers' and Listeners' Association (NVALA) in 1965. The NVALA campaigned against blasphemy, violence and explicit content in broadcasting, lobbying the BBC and government. Thus, film and television were central to social commentary and moral controversy.

What earns the marks

• Explains how film and television engaged with social issues such as homelessness, racism and sexism, using specific examples like Cathy Come Home, Till Death Us Do Part and Alfie.
• Analyses how media reflected prejudices, for example through stereotypical representations or satirical exposure that could reinforce or challenge attitudes.
• Assesses the role of Mary Whitehouse and the NVALA in campaigning against perceived moral decline and lobbying for stricter broadcasting standards.
• Evaluates the extent to which media shaped public debate and policy, considering both progressive and conservative responses.
• Uses accurate historical context of 1960s Britain, including changing social attitudes and the moral panic surrounding permissiveness.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Treating Cathy Come Home as a documentary rather than a drama-documentary.

  Put it right: Recognise it as a BBC television play directed by Ken Loach that used documentary style to highlight homelessness.

• Assuming Mary Whitehouse opposed all television or successfully passed the 1968 Theatres Act.

  Put it right: She targeted specific broadcasting content she deemed offensive, and the 1968 Theatres Act actually abolished theatre censorship, a liberalising measure she opposed.

• Claiming Till Death Us Do Part was purely racist without acknowledging its satirical intent.

  Put it right: Note that it aimed to mock racist attitudes through the character Alf Garnett, though some viewers missed the irony.

Exam tips

• Integrate specific examples of films and television programmes to support arguments about social issues and prejudices.
• When discussing Mary Whitehouse and the NVALA, focus on their campaigns against the BBC (e.g., Hugh Greene's leadership) and their role in the wider 'moral panic' rather than claiming they passed liberalising legislation.
• Consider both the intended and unintended effects of media representations, and how different audiences might respond.