Theory: Katz, Hartley and Maslow

Katz’ Uses & Gratifications theory

• Personal Identification – Where the audience can relate to a character or their situation
• Personal Relationship – Where the audience builds a close bond with a character or group of characters
• Inform & Educate – Where the audience LEARN something from consuming the text
• Diversion – Where the audience can ESCAPE from their reality and immerse themselves in the text.

 Hartley’s Seven Subjectivities

1. Age
2. Gender
3. Class
4. Ethnicity
5. Self-Image
6. Nation
7. Family

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

• Social Climbers– Where the audience are driven by improving their status in society
• Caregivers– Where the audience sympathise with the characters situation.
• Explorers– Where the audience are driven by social change.
• Survivors – Audience members who want the security and routine of knowing the characters will be ok (For example) or something will be resolved.