REPRESENTASI DALAM MEDIA DAN BUDAYA:

PERSPEKTIF TEORI STUART HALL

Abstract

Representation theory is a crucial concept in cultural and media studies, focusing on how meaning is constructed and produced through language, imagery, and symbols. Stuart Hall, a central figure in this theory, asserts that representation is not merely about depicting reality but about how meaning is actively constructed and interpreted through social and ideological processes. Hall's theory, rooted in a constructivist approach, highlights the interplay between representation, power, and social practices. Other scholars like Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler have significantly contributed to this field, particularly in the contexts of myth, discourse, and gender. In the digital era, representation theory becomes increasingly relevant in understanding how social media and digital technologies influence the production, dissemination, and interpretation of meaning. Contemporary studies explore how social media algorithms and visual culture shape the representation of individuals, groups, and social issues. A specific focus on the representation of minorities has emerged, particularly concerning racial, gender, and sexual identities in modern media. Hence, representation theory remains a vital framework for analyzing cultural and media dynamics in the complex digital age.