The business structures of the modern world have a significant impact on society. However, most of them conduct their affairs incorrectly and not paying attention to inequality. The purpose of this essay is a sociological analysis of the documentary film “The Corporation” to study these structures and their relationship with society.
One of the main conflicts shown in the film is the existence of inequality. This concept develops based on the Supreme Court decision about a “person” status for corporations (Encore +, 2017). However, despite this status, organizations are allowed much more than ordinary people. In addition, companies can put pressure on people or other companies even though, by default, everyone should have equal conditions. An example of this in a documentary is a case study of doctors pressured to pass possibly hazardous drugs, including rBST (Encore +, 2017). Despite the apparent equality, corporations have the clout to push the decisions and conclusions they need.
According to Marxist theory, the base, i.e., the modes of production, and the superstructure that is ideology, are closely related. The base is dominant and forms the superstructure, but at the same time maintains it, while the main task of the superstructure is to support the base. In the case of the corporations in question, the base has an even more significant impact, as companies change ideology elements according to their needs. However, despite the difficulty of dealing with such an order, the documentary offers several ways. First of all, bills are being put forward focused on stricter regulation of the work of corporations (Encore +, 2017). Secondly, it is proposed to disseminate information about the true nature of such companies as widely as possible to form and strengthen collective consciousness.
Thus, this documentary approaches the definition of corporations from an unusual perspective, analyzing them as individuals and proposing ways to combat the inequalities created. However, the narrative structure deserves criticism, especially in the context of comparing corporations as persons with psychopaths. Moreover, the material presented is not new, as much of this information can easily be found in newspapers and on the Internet. Finally, there is very little specificity in the data presented, which casts doubt on their integrity. Thus, despite the coverage of topical issues, the method of presenting the material and specific points in the content force us to treat this film more critically.
Reference
Encore +. (2017). The Corporation – Documentary [Video]. YouTube. Web.