Social class

'How do the two extracts construct representations of social class? Refer to the micro-elements' 

Outnumbered: Middle class
Eastenders: Predominantly working class

4 points of contrast:

- Eastenders is screened on the streets, in the cafe, pub, market whereas in Outnumbered it is filmed in a end of terrace house where the action takes place in the extended kitchen which is well equipped.
- The family in outnumbered is presented as a strong unit, where as in Eastenders you just see various characters, when Whitney is distressed she does not go home to seek support from her family, she sits alone in the laundrette.
- The characters in Eastenders do not use standard English, but instead use some slang, where as in Outnumbered they speak standard English and appear well educated.
- The characters are white in Outnumbered where as in Eastenders it is very multicultural which reflects the location.

The middle class people in Outnumbered are presented in a sympathetic light, however it allows us to mock them. The title itself is ironic as 'Outnumbered' suggests the parents are overwhelmed with the three children and provides a gentle commentary on what we ourselves are like.§
Mise -en-scene:
In Eastenders, the character of Lucy is seen in a corset type top which is voyeuristic as (the man) Tyler, knows he shouldn't be involved with her, but goes ahead with it anyway. It is not unusual that the woman is portrayed in this way when the man is in standard clothing, as women are often presented as sexually available.