Communication theories are an explanation on how our opinions and actions can become an influence in our lives; however, this paper will focus on Social Comparison Theory. In the Social Comparison Theory there are two types of comparisons: downward and upward; this means that people may judge others feel better about themselves or to improve their abilities. This communication theory is clear in many cases. For instance, there is a study that examines the influence media has on mothering and how that increases competition among mothers, this article is called,‘“Am I a Better Mother Than You?’ Media and 21st-Century Motherhood in the Context of the Social Comparison Theory.” Apart from the study on mothering, a film titled, “Devil Wears Prada,”
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The work culture in that job is strict; the culture includes a specific dress code, weight, and work in a fast paced. As a result, Andrea experience upward comparison because she begins to change her persona to feel approved by her boss. There is a specific scene in the film when Andrea talks to Nigel, a co-worker, in his studio about how she does not feel acknowledged or appreciated for the work she is trying to do. The environment in this scene shows a studio full of sketches and images that display the work that is put into fashion. Therefore, the environmental context contributes to the conversation when Nigel tells her to take fashion seriously and appreciate that fact that she took a job in one of the best publishers in the art industry. Additionally, the conversation between Andrea and Nigel shows a relational context because that scene built a relationship of teacher to student; she asked for help and he helped her. Nigel taught Andrea what to wear and to lose weight because that was a part of the job. It is clear that this context levels helps us analyze and realize that this scene supports social comparison theory; the conversation helped Andrea to begin to evaluate herself and decided to change her physical appearance and really improve in her job. As a result, Andrea’s new person allows her to be promoted to the first assistant position. This entire film is about upward and downward social comparison because judgment and the world of fashion
The work culture in that job is strict; the culture includes a specific dress code, weight, and work in a fast paced. As a result, Andrea experience upward comparison because she begins to change her persona to feel approved by her boss. There is a specific scene in the film when Andrea talks to Nigel, a co-worker, in his studio about how she does not feel acknowledged or appreciated for the work she is trying to do. The environment in this scene shows a studio full of sketches and images that display the work that is put into fashion. Therefore, the environmental context contributes to the conversation when Nigel tells her to take fashion seriously and appreciate that fact that she took a job in one of the best publishers in the art industry. Additionally, the conversation between Andrea and Nigel shows a relational context because that scene built a relationship of teacher to student; she asked for help and he helped her. Nigel taught Andrea what to wear and to lose weight because that was a part of the job. It is clear that this context levels helps us analyze and realize that this scene supports social comparison theory; the conversation helped Andrea to begin to evaluate herself and decided to change her physical appearance and really improve in her job. As a result, Andrea’s new person allows her to be promoted to the first assistant position. This entire film is about upward and downward social comparison because judgment and the world of fashion