Towards a Bourdieusian analysis of the social composition of the UK film and television workforce. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Randle, Keith; Forson, Cynthia; Calveley, Moira
• Is Part Of: Work, employment & society. Volume 29:Number 4(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 590
• Page End: 606
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Bourdieu -- capitals -- diversity -- film -- social composition -- television -- workforce; Industrial sociology -- Periodicals; Work -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Periodicals; 306.36
• DOI: 10.1177/0950017014542498
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0170

Abstract

The social composition of the workforce of the UK film and television industries does not reflect the diversity of the population and the industries have been described as white, male and middle class. While the lack of specific demographic representation in employment (for example gender or ethnicity) has been highlighted by both industry and academic commentators, its broader social composition has rarely been addressed by research. This article draws on the work of Bourdieu, particularly the concepts of field, habitus and capitals, to explore perceptions of the barriers to entry into these industries and the way in which individuals negotiate these by drawing on the various capitals to which they have access.