The Big Issue

Key Theorists:
- Barthes
- Neale
- Baudrillard
- Hall
- Gauntlett
- Van Zoonen

Semiology - Barthes
The study of signs and symbols (language and images, connotations and denotations).

Genre Theory - Neale
The concept of genre as a shared code explains how genres can change.

Postmodernism - Baudrillard
Can be applied to any cultural product.

Representation - Hall
Applies particularly to the way in which headlines try to fix the meaning of a representation, both the copy and the photographs.

Identity - Gauntlett
Applies to the sense of identity that a newspaper or magazine can offer its reader.

Feminism - Van Zoonen
Can be applied to any media product, especially representations of gender.



- Well-known actor
- 'Game Changer' plays on Game of Thrones
- Representation Theory
- Postmodernism



- Positive representation
- Representation Theory
- Postmodernism Theory



- Donald Trump is the Twitter bird with dollar symbols for eyes
- North Korean missiles have smiley faces
- Semiology Theory



- Doctor Strange action figure
- Enigma code machine
- Rubber duck Sherlock Holmes



- Non-judgmental
- Not trying to sell by star power



- Appeals to fans of The Beatles

Explain how the representations in magazines reflect their contexts. Refer to The Big Issue covers you have studied to support your answer. (10)

The representations of people in The Big Issue reflect modern day society and subvert stereotypes. This can be seen in 'How To Be Happy', where the front cover uses dramatic irony and exaggerates different world issues. It applies the Semiology Theory by Barthes by using signs and symbols to convey meaning. For example, a symbol of Donald Trump's head on the Twitter bird with dollar symbols for eyes suggests that he is greedy and pursues wealth.
The 'Hit By A Car' issue applies Representation Theory by Hall. The man on the cover is described as 'incredible' and 'invincible'. This issue also does not try to sell itself using star power, instead using one of The Big Issue's employees.

Analyse why The Big Issue magazine has used an intertextual approach to Brexit on its front cover (15)