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The Routledge Companion to Media and Class

Erika Polson, Lynn Schofield Clark, Radhika Gajjala

Class Hybridity and the Habitus Clivé on American Reality Television

Publication details https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/doi/10.4324/9781351027342-3 June Deery Published online on: 02 Dec 2019

How to cite :- June Deery. 02 Dec 2019, Class Hybridity and the Habitus Clivé on American Reality Television from: The Routledge Companion to Media and Class Routledge Accessed on: 26 Sep 2021 https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/doi/10.4324/9781351027342-3

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The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The publisher shall not be liable for an loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 essay,focusI onportraits ofthenewly rich andthe accompanying this classIn perceptions drama. which and energize tension of sources predictable producers offer parameters and rules its behavior, constrainingsocial structuringand by script:such one performanceis Classscripts. socialexisting non- intodocumentary of extension tion. But the question arises: does media entertainment recognize this burden of representation? of burden this recognize entertainment media does arises: question the But tion. func- media key a still is surveillance cultural mutual fragmentation, audience and narrowcasting class identities that for we might never encounter, segregation—expressed, and certainly never get class to know, otherwise. entrenched indicates example, in separate neighborhoods, schools, and colleges—the media transmits representations of geography cultural whose society a In classed behavior goes back to origins of reality TV in the 1970s, the in TV reality of origins to back goes behavior classed anxieties, and ambiguities—for sub-­ ambiguities—for and anxieties, uncertainties, its with categorization—along class exploiting been time some for have producers TV isaparticularly class, and money heated andthereforelucrativepointofcontention. between disconnect the specifically rich, newly the of ances perform - inept the that suggests above epigraph the in quoted viewer the of frustration The class. on-­ to tions reac- participant and Viewer transition. class and identification class of problems the of some line studies such as would contribute to sociology, the popular thematizing of systematic class and identity does rounded under- produce not does this Although class. of lines fault the on right pressure apply to motivated are explore, shall we reasons for producers, whose television reality of strains some of effect inadvertent largely the is This identities. class evaluate publicly and acknowledge, performances class into glimpses interesting class? The answer is no, they do given not. any Nevertheless, the of programming sample I will representative be and examining does fair offer a present to resources their marshal producers its Do In contrast to the generally muted treatment of class demarcations in most Amer­ Habitus Clivé onAmer­ How muchofarolemodelcananythembe?Poorbreeding.Goodgrief! it.… from Far lady. a being for prerequisite only the is money that feel to seem They tackiest, ill-­ the of one is etiquette on book a wrote and “countess” herself calls who woman The Class Hybridityandthe screen behavior also suggest that Amer­ that suggest also behavior screen mannered, ungracious women I’ve ever seen.… There are no manners here. Reality Television Class MigrationandReality TV tragic or comic effect. comic or tragic fictional entertainment incentivized producers to locate pre-­ locate to producers entertainment incentivized ­fictional June Deery n pops iwr t recognize, to viewers prompts and performance as 3 27 icans do notice, do monitor, and do care about care do and monitor, do notice, do icans 4 Indeed,observingcouldarguethatone 5 which is not surprisingnotthesince iswhich ican 1 ican media, reality 2 Despite 3

Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 fection thatisanotherattraction).Theoriginalseriesdescribed thus: wives franchise (2006–) was pitched as a glimpse into a higher social sphere (with hints at the imper- successful very the inception, its From category. this in be to viewers some to appear extent itisnottechnicallyscripted. some to managed be may behavior while because classism of charges evade to able are producers risible, or flawed as regarded are performances the When ears). deaf on fall would Sharp Becky or Bovary Madame as such climbers social fictional for advice (whereas show TV a on themselves expose to on signed have they since individuals these advise or criticize publicly to entitled, even real-­ of combination Their themselves. represent to invited are classes different and complete less is management sional a great deal of introspection. Ordinarily, such portraits are written from the perspective of pre- dominantly middle- of or perspective upper-­ the from written are portraits such Ordinarily, introspection. of deal great a with not and purposes entertainment for form exaggerated an in albeit individuals, by lived as but identities—gives millions of viewers some inner view of class experience not as scripted by writers sense of their class trajectories. class their of sense qualitative-­ ing over multiple seasons in soap-­ in seasons multiple over ing female-­ being docusoaps—these prominent one who is “engaged, upscale and educated.” influential), and affluent (i.e., “affluencer” the delivers it boasts marketing whose channel a TV, oy aaye o large-­ of analyses tory) celebra- largely (and quantitative traditional to supplement a as class, of experience subjective the systematic attemptstoadjudicateranks. of even and identities class individual some of fragility the see to us allow slippages and postures morass of class confusion and class accusation among TV’s nouveau riche proves interesting. Their ception—not always universally shared but not arbitrary or individualistic either. This is where the per- a is attribution class which to degree the clear becomes it and stark particularly are sistencies wealth alters class rank. When individuals are in class transit many of these subjectivities and incon- the relative importance of upbringing and early socialization or how long before recently acquired prestige i.e., matterof variability: a cultural and becomes historical some its weighting with judgement but factor significant a is occupation that agree sociologists Many metricized. or objective less even are criteria Other rank. affect these how determining in can invoke quantitative factors such as income and wealth, judgement immediately comes into play difficult. proves often identification class gender, or race than marked visually less is it that Given decade. a over for series some in understood, and enacted subjectively is class how at longitudinally times Goldthorpe and his colleagues at Nuffield College, Oxford. College, Nuffield at colleagues his and Goldthorpe more mixed blessings. suggest narratives individual whereas benefit, pure a is mobility class upward that assumption an is The selling point of several popular series is offering access to an elite—or at least those who may Sociologists have recently begun to stress the need for personal narratives to better understand better to narratives personal for need the stress to begun recently have Sociologists scholars While judgement. and fact combined always has categorization class professional Even so perfect.… other half really lives as The Real Housewives discover their Garden of Eden may not be gence, replete with gorgeous homes, privileged offspring and fabulous bling. See how the Orange of Housewives County. Real Bravo introduces you to The five women who arekeys. living lives of privilegethe and indul- hold who women the meet and gates the Welcome to one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Southern California. Go behind . Then there are disagreements within and between cultures about temporal factors: temporal about cultures between and within disagreements are there Then when. based research agenda which focuses on how class is lived and how individuals make individuals how and lived is class how on focuses which agenda research based ness and ness 10 The filming of classed identities on reality TV—including newly acquired cl dt, uh s h mco oiiy tde cnutd y on H. John by conducted studies mobility macro the as such data, scale (as figures on a screen) means viewers feel licensed, feel viewers means screen) a on figures (as distance mediated middle-class media professionals, 9 One perceived weakness in both academic and political discourse political and academic both in weakness perceived One like, interwoven narratives. interwoven like, headed series about interpersonal relationships unfold- relationships interpersonal about series headed June Deery 7 Several of Bravo’s hit shows look closely and some- 28 6 In particular, I will draw on Bravo on draw will I particular, In 11 occupations have occupations which 8 whereas on reality TV this profes- oe ae rpsd micro, a proposed have Some Real House- Real social what Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 online commentary, not all viewers are critical however; not all notice the mockery and some and mockery the notice all not however; critical are viewers all not commentary, online typical of reality TV’s reality of typical is This traits. these of examples pronounced showcases TV reality then ostentatious and egotistic, avaricious, as characterized be to are riche nouveau the if example, for exaggerated; and extrovert are portraits these TV, reality on else much like that, is condemnation and comedy the to Adding are performing and how they are assessed by editors and viewers opens up seams of dramatic irony. the delightandprofitofproducersbroadcastersand,to a lesserextent,ofcastmembers. requires assessment class since and judgement andopinion,viewerscanbecomepassionate,contentious, and,aboveall,engaged—to positions, viewer multiple encourages that category itional disdain, still others profess elements of both. It is the ambiguity of a nouveau riche status as a trans- wealth, provoke a range of audience responses from a variety of class locations: some admire, others new of display enthusiastic their as well as hypocrisy, and confusion riches’ nouveaux the explicit, not is labeling the when Even battle. of heat the in about hurled are and labels class taboo when as trauma, involves categorization class because part in intense, often is and engagement viewer participant both behavior, classed is topic the When dispute. and vulnerability introduces new being their and voyeurism encourages rich being their because television reality for fodder good generally are riche nouveau the wealthy, the of subset a As class. and money between relation the about here, us concerns most what and, culture and class about narcissism, and greed about tions ques- raise nevertheless lifestyles leveraged their but ambitions ordinary more with those feature iu ios uh s asy r ek (Ged i good”). is … (“Greed Gekko or Gatsby as such icons cious be. Amer­ may distribution wealth this deserved or fair how about consensus a without ahead, pulling naming and acknowledgement of class distinctions and a burgeoning awareness that the wealthy Amer­ are in trends significant with tune in ATL); andso on. I don’t do it” (Lise Wu Hartwell, RH: ATL); “Beauty fades, class is forever” (Cynthia Bailey, RH: luxury, and luxury has a taste for me” (Sonja Morgan RH: NYC); “If it doesn’t make me money, Zolciak- ­ (Kim have” I what want just they but digger, Glanville, RH: BH); “In Atlanta, money and class do give you power” and “People call me a gold (Brandi money” you gives just it class, you give doesn’t “Money OC); RH: Rossi, (Gretchen all” it love I jewelry, the love I bling, the love “I NYC); RH: Lesseps, de (LuAnn privileged” being know what? Having money is easier” (Lauri Waring Peterson, RH: OC); “I never feel guilty about ance of money, class, and privilege. For example: “I was poor, I was rich, I was poor again and you In addition, over many years the cast members’ self-­ Similarly, anotherCalifornianspin-­ savvy viewers. savvy self-­ of lack and hypocrisy, delusion, awareness; especially when edited underline with “the Bravo wink” to that implicitly suggests inconsistencies ironically to framed often is capital cultural of to viewers many understand class allow identities, class original and new between disconnect the and behavior, A potentially far-­ potentially A A curiosity about how “the other half of BeverlyHillsdeliverthestarpoweranddrama. Housewives Real actresses—The child of family a to entrepreneurs to heiresses From it. are in the center of it all and they have the mansions, the cars, and the diamonds to prove women These everything. is know you who and seen being where privilege, pampered and wealth luxurious of world a is Theirs provide. can Hills Beverly only that lifestyle The series follows six of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish ican popular culture has periodically examined the ethics of naked capitalism through rapa- through capitalism naked of ethics the examined periodically has culture popular ican 14 In a kind of class misrecognition, the contrast between how well casts think they think casts well how between contrast the misrecognition, class of kind a In as a performance . An often pronounced lag between the acquisition of financial and reaching impact of these class portraits is that the self-­ the that is portraits class these of impact reaching extra-­ ordinariness, its display of the recognizable but excessive. Judging by Judging excessive. but recognizable the of display its ordinariness, Class HybridityandtheHabitusClivé off ismarketedinthis way: ” (or 1 percent) lives is to some extent perennial but is also ican society today, which are the increase in the public the in increase the are which today, society ican 29 identifying taglines refer to the relative import- Biermann, RH: ATL); “I have a taste for taste a have “I ATL); RH: Biermann, 12 13 hs cneprr docusoaps contemporary These consciousness of the of consciousness Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 ak mitis ht h dmr Ble s ue, etand awy plt, self-­ polite, always restrained, quiet, is Belle demure the that maintains Parks status. different Even those who very don’t think of this a as ironic will had likely notice the gap have between claim and would practice: for ancestors African women’s these where culture plantation a in pale the ofpalest the being for valued was SouthernBelle the thatfact designation theelides class whoarenotexperiencingtheupwardmobilityadvertisedon TV. distraction, middle the of suppression political effective the also but a elite real the of as existence the only not seen concealing be could class upper the of versions ersatz these context, wider a in Set TV. on elsewhere matter, that for or, here exposed or accessed being not law/politics—are school–Ivies–finance/ prep of networks the power—e.g., in those of lives the that is true strably their radar: which in a system of universal suffrage is often to the elite’s advantage. What is demon- as “upper class” indicate that the real powerbrokers and wealth holders are misrecognized or under accept the idea that they are gaining access to the lives of an elite. Those who identify these figures can festeranddrivethenarrativeformonths. invite an RSVPing not or dinner to late being as such offence an docusoaps, other in as here, and Classand etc. manor, atcountry manners dinner come up in regular discussions tea, among participants regarding what is rude afternoon or inappropriate Ascot, find: can they conventions and new rituals boorish societal any of foreground producers crust, narrative upper British Jamesian the into assimilate Henry to trying almost money an is dynamic central show’s the that Given British castmember(theupper-­ Amer­ of failure Amer­ riche nouveau excited overly and loud with juxtaposed is even a few aristocrats. It opens at a polo match where the restrained and sanguine British upper class upper-­ British some cast to managed nately money) and the English version, which relies more on background and breeding. This series Amer­ some what between contrasts up points series when producers inject racial or cultural differences. For example, the upper- ­ status. Prior established to this, casting imply plays a to key role “socialite” and in some and instances class “elite” positioning is like doubly marked words employing loosely cast, riche nouveau their of prestige the exaggerate routinely they launch, series a during Especially shows. are quick to promote the display of social status as a primary attraction or even raison d’être of these Class is brought to the public’s attention in the first instance through market framing. Broadcasters of pushingtothe limitstheideaofassigningone’s own rank. with the tagline: “I don’t keep up with the Jones, I co- ­ sweepingly Leakes, NeNe these, of One mates. confrontational, and pleasant. Yet, this model is subverted by her own behavior and that of other cast made a career out of, penning a book entitled book a penning of, out career a made larly tenuous is the claim to being a Southern Belle, which Phaedra Parks (RH: ATL ) in particular has degrees did so in institutions that are ranked from modest to low, or even unranked. Perhaps particu- claim to elite status is insecure: for example, even thosetheir casts, whoother with are as toutedand, not, asare havingmost but earnedprofessional and educated professionalare these of Some South. (2013–)cine center Africanon Amer The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2008–), The Real Housewives of Potomac (2016–) and the oldaristocraticfamiliesdon’thavemoneyanymore. door to society in the States. In England it’s about the family name and breeding. Most of you rich, become you if that think I America In icans to understand or qualify as upper class thereafter remain strong themes. One themes. strong remain thereafter class upper as qualify or understand to icans class CarolineStanbury)spellsoutthedifference: ­icanwomen whoclaim theinbetoupper echelon theofnew class characters (interested in media/appearance careers) and careers) media/appearance in (interested characters class Thematizing Class June Deery Secrets of the Southern Belle. Southern the of Secrets 30 am the Jones,” this being one of the best examples opts the East Coast version of old white culture culture white old of version Coast East the opts icans think qualifies as upper class (predomi- class upper as qualifies think icans society. Money and fame opens the opens fame and Money society. are 15 icans. Class perceptions and the and perceptions Class icans. Ladies of London (2014–2017) 16 Co- ­optingthis historical otold non- controlled, Married to Medi- class ­ Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3

“classy” or not classy, or to have or not have class, a simple binarism itself marked as déclassé. as marked itself binarism simple a class, have not or have to or classy, not or “classy” taste). Ignoringmorenuanced hierarchies,participantsandviewersoftenjudgeotherstobe either lower even or different than rather taste “bad” having character as others of think becomes we when (as judgement judgement class and pathologized becomes difference class quickly how see We attribution. class of dimensions emotional and moral the underlines judge and injure to ways other, employing epithets such as “white trash,” “ghetto,” or “bougie.” Using these distinctions as in more explicit class terms than is usual in fictional drama, participants name-­ rank—at least in confessional interviews. Mutual status appraisal is ongoing and weaponized so that, ­ self- where London, of Ladies ling for position, is the main narrative in series such as what seemstobeapersonaltestimony. of advantage the offers products of use their situations, real in people real are these because And to. invited weren’t you party the at drink them saw you wine the buy can you but cars or houses viewers are offered a metonymic sampling of a greater whole: i.e., you may not be able to buy their Their class appraisal also includes assessment of each other’s aesthetic taste, dress code, diction, code, dress taste, aesthetic other’s each of assessment includes also appraisal class Their this usage, speakers will describe as “classy” an action they approve of as selfless or morally upright. promotion involves the massification of luxury, what I elsewhere refer to as the Godiva effect Godiva the as (referring to to refer the mass elsewhere distribution I of a what formerly luxury, exclusive chocolatier’s of brand). massification the involves promotion this of Some members. cast or advertisers by pitched services broadcast and goods the associated also but just series not sell to order in loyalty and engagement viewer build producers whereby call might we what through cast and producers to advantages offers luxury cars, luxury vacations, private jets, spas, horse riding, gambling, surgery, etc. cosmetic This gowns, consumerist formal address jewelry, hairdressers, squads, makeup florists, caterers, on ously: does not:afatetheysharewithsociologistswhoalsofinditdifficulttoaccesstheelite. husband and led to their divorce). Reality TV therefore faces class limits that fictional programming a media contract (indeed, it seems Tinsley Mortimer’s desire for publicity alienated her old-­ the ability to protect privacy and control personal information then they would be reluctant to sign broke or desirous of celebrity, they simply have no incentive to appear. If a privilege of the elite is Those who were for how long. Or, more generally, whether it is acceptable to marry in order to boost one’s status. upper-­ an whether consider to have participants and give up these illustrious names after divorce illustrates their social cachet. In such instances, viewers to reluctance Radziwill); Carole Princess and Lesseps de Luanne (Countess aristocracy European minor into married others and Mortimers and Morgans the as such families York New old from Coast East some castmembers. centrally featured and antebellum-­ the instance, for nouveau: or fake are rituals some and heritage some that out turns it and camera funds, and selective preschools, pride in their established lineages does not prevent bad behavior on trust ancestors, about talk with it establish to efforts great make and lineage their self-­ about conscious are some While felon). a is one (indeed, class upper the of members illustrious particularly manly” or “ladylike” fashion but, while some do appear to be from old or oldish money, none are wealth derives from a slavery economy. Most are quite conscious of wanting to behave in a “gentle- in contemporary plantation living houses, none of the cast to acknowledges that some or most references of their current occasional are there while but culture, feudal and aristocratic an to came Charm (2014–), set in Charleston, South Carolina. Historically, this region was the closest America Upper-­ Financial competitionamongparticipantswhoarestillintransit, whoarestillstrivingandjost- Every one of these docusoaps reinforces the idea that the nouveau riche like to spend conspicu- the in case the is This it. married who those are money old with themselves align who Others class whites enjoying the remnants of an elite Southern culture is the premise of (2008–) where some cast members secured husbands secured members cast some where (2008–) City York New of Housewives Real born into the upper class rarely appear on TV presumably because, unless they are conscious social climbers openly discuss their strategies to advance in advance to strategies their discuss openly climbers social conscious Class HybridityandtheHabitusClivé sounding “Founders’ Ball” was premiered in 2015 by a friend of 31 class status can be transferred to a spouse and spouse a to transferred be can status class The Real Housewives, Married to Medicine, and affective commercial interactivity, commercial affective 17 call and criticize each In this case, ordinary Southern money 18 In Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 izing upon. Thanks to their TV income and a massive self-­ massive a and income TV their to Thanks upon. izing is genuine hybridity is not the point; their the point is which that a hybrid identity to is what they degree are performing and capital- the However, beards. redneck iconic now their sport always not did Robertsons the that object viewers some stereotypes, to playing and authenticity of lack a of evidence as integrity—although, quirky a having as framed is rank lower a of rituals and values the upholding their and class upper as pass or privileged more the imitate to trying not is family performance—and it TV performance—and Their exposure. media their of, because also and business—before, profitable a built family a Southern flavor softens class judgements through non- ­ tion intoahigherclass. time due to natural gas being found on their land (à la formula is found in Southern “redneck” culture, but their ability to live how they please is secured by their new wealth. A similar on-­ their of germ The background. class lower- ­ a of rituals and manners the still maintain to choose who wealthy the are they “rich”: and disarming that even the most sophisticated viewer can laugh can viewer sophisticated most the even that disarming self-­ and humor wry Robertsons’ the doubt. and apprehension causes rank in shift the commonly more but amalgam, proud and deliberate a own devices. Some manage the difference between their original and current class identities through subjects in the nouveau rich dramas examined here are unaided, untrained, and largely left to their role of the grande dame. the assume whom of some females, richest and dominant, older, the typically are complying not the etiquette book etiquette the has made class and etiquette a major theme: after repeatedly instructing cast members, she produced and lessons etiquette others have written whole books on the subject. For example, former Countess informal LuAnn de Lesseps or formal undergo participants Some manners. and mannerisms, illustrated by the popular who deliberately, not inadvertently, maintain some social attributes of a different rank. This type is best but status economic new a acquire who those to belong identities class hybrid call I What self-­ neoliberal mined, deter- with crowded (e.g., is TV reality of world the remarked, often partnerships is as Indeed, 2009–). Tank, Shark financial to makeovers business to shows talent competitive from world, the Charm School, or 2007–2009). Many shows aid 2005–2010 and applaud those Lady, who largely make to their own way in (Ladette progress of lack their at laugh to viewers encourage actually but upper-­ in classes lower the school others 2010–), Boss , (Undercover overlooked been the subordinate to advance. Some formats offer unexpected help for the deserving poor who have their situation. For example, numerous reality makeover or philanthropic formats intervene to help imperative mode in larger popular entertainment a that counsels to people contrast on how in to stand assimilate or rich to improve newly the of vexations and rewards the of portrayals Docusoap member thegiftofanetiquettebookasaputdownandcondemnationbadbehavior. You Class.” As many point out, it is ironic how often she fails to live up to her professed class professed her to rank. up live to fails she often how ironic is it out, point many As Class.” You When writing elsewhere about regionalism and class I have suggested that in the United States United the in that suggested have I class and regionalism about elsewhere writing When 20 The cast members who most often discuss the importance of manners and scold others for others scold and manners of importance the discuss often most who members cast The The DramaofDislocation:ClassHybridityandtheHabitus Clivé Class with the Countess the with Class a performance—fully embraces and exploits the dual status of “redneck” of status dual the exploits and embraces performance—fully a is entrepreneurs. 21 Duck Dynasty (2012–2017) series whose originally lower-­ As part of their social monitoring they have more than once given a cast Bayou Billionaires (2012) where another rural family strikes it rich, this 22 mockery, as well as their “Southern charm,” is sufficiently is charm,” “Southern their as well as mockery, But while they may model some forms of advancement, of forms some model may they while But screen license comes from a libertarian and self-­ and libertarian a from comes license screen 19 Hybridity and an auto-­ an and June Deery 32 Beverley Hillbillies); they, too, resist assimila- threatening exoticism. tuned song entitled “Money Can’t Buy Can’t “Money entitled song tuned branding and merchandising effort the effort merchandising and branding them as much as much as them with 23 On class Robertson Duck Dynasty, them. This them. at class manners class conscious Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 the “double isolation” of not fitting in either within their original or new class group. class new or original their within either in fitting not of isolation” “double the wealthy-­ Republican president. between Trump supporters and viewers of this series, stronger than those who voted for a previous sons probably apocalyptic, right-­ right-­ as Speaking campaign. Trump the cally losing so from profitable an asset. The family wentdown on to extend their influencebacked into politics and specifi- executives the solidarity, in show the leave to threatened all when remarks: homophobic for patriarch the ban to threatened who broadcaster the outplay to able was family Bourdieu what to attributed be can riche nouveau the of humiliations and pas faux regular The tripping up. keep them roots these yet roots, humble from run but embrace don’t stars TV reality Other mobility is an under-­ an is mobility this personalexperience. about revelations in sparing was he although transformation, a such evinced life own his indeed, ledge that one’s habitus can and must adapt acknow- to times new circumstances at such did as childhood—he an upward of class socialization trajectory: primary the during formed habitus durable inclusion on the show and in one case at least this may have led to suicide. merit to order in means their beyond spend to pressure considerable under been have participants several covered, are expenses some While renewals. contract selective of pressure financial the ing forced with ways: of variety a sociality andmaterialdisplay;with physicalstressorssuchasalcoholandexhaustion;by apply- in identities new their on pressure intensify typically producers bination of arrogance and insecurity. After selecting those who surprising, are hardly ambitious but is lack It self-­ riche. therefore, that producers nouveau should want the to focus on of their casts’ class fate insecurity and the their volatile com- describes basically this then disparity, and gaps andthesocialmisstepsthatunderminetheircast’smaterial accomplishments. offer and sort some of elite an viewers to the pleasuresaccess ofoffering wealthare voyeurism,they butthat they idea are alsothe motivatedup toprop cash to in on have the performancetherefore of higher-­ ideas core against works that modality extreme and extrovert an favors TV reality addition, In casts. hapless their of habitus the in misalignments any exacerbate to predisposed more are and however, well-­ pasts their and control under insecurities deeper social their keep to attempt casts docusoap Bravo’s speaking, suicide—generally even alienation, may disruptthecoherencyof self. upwardly mobile can experience problems of isolation, vulnerability, and psychological distress that effect on the individual “dissociative” a have will downward) and (upward mobility social of kind any that suggest whom mobility on individual subjects has, to a limited degree, been studied by other sociologists, some of societies and draw on a plurality of dispositions in a variety of contexts. The specific effects of class differentiated highly in socialized are individuals when especially habitus, homogeneous or fixed sets. ence of those who, because their extant habitus has not yet adjusted to their new situation, current social position don’t quite align. He used the term Subsequent accounts, such as that by sociologist Bernard Lahire, If drama—and more specifically comedy—is found where there is maladjustment, dissonance, maladjustment, is there where found comedy—is specifically more drama—and If While there are some indications of trauma—erupting in breakdowns, addictions, divorces, family 31 Sennett and Cobb, and Sennett businessman-with-­ 25 class behavior such as restraint and privacy: it is, in this regard, inherently vulgar. Producers identified as a were effective spokespeople for Trump since pollsters discovered a strong correlation wing film by Trump’s former chief strategist Steve Bannon. In fact, the Robert- theorized area of Bourdieu’s analysis—his focus being on a fairly stable and stable fairly a on being focus analysis—his Bourdieu’s of area theorized 24 30 Habitus ClivéandtheFeminineDocusoap and produce an unease that may not be discernible from quantitative data 28 32 habitus clivé, a cleft or divided habitus where original class dispositions and who famously explored the “hidden injuries” of class, found that the that found class, of injuries” “hidden the explored famously who a-common-­ Class HybridityandtheHabitusClivé oc proa Te eis ptirh lo tre i an in starred also patriarch series’ The persona. touch 33 ig ouit, hy perd o co Trump’s echo to appeared they populists, wing hidden. TV producers have a different agenda, agenda, different a have producers TV hidden. hysteresis (or lag) to describe the experi - 29 have disputed the notion of a 33 Even those who have awareness, 27 26 While suffer Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 in amarkedlyintoxicatedversion. here manners, of comedy the with associated often energy of release pretensions—a puncture and is once again evident and the sudden code-­ cleft The tears. in limo the to off wobble participants more or one before tableware), and wine of slights and ill manners flare up, we witness the flinging of insults and class epithets (also thesocial flinging of perceptions As deteriorate. to begin things drinks, few a after Then, guard. on are tures manners: fond greetings, mutual compliments, gratitude for the hostess’s efforts. Language and pos- pinkies-­ outing, social dinner, (formal event tional aspira- and polite some arrange will women the instance, For veneer. social recent more a erases (and photogenic) social pratfall, most commonly when alcohol releases an original class identity and in thefirstplace,soitisasignificantbutnotmajorchangeofdirection. as entrepreneurs they focus on selling the attractive bodies and accessories they Typically, usedcapacity. earning toown attracttheir have they wealthprove to anxious seem many money, for marrying ex- or wives the of number merce, or real estate (an exception being Typically, the husbands are not highly-­ elevation. class guarantees or merits money, new especially money, marrying whether is test shows thesecriterionanother Thus,products. associatedbeauty sell to or wealthmarry leveragingto its tocratic, institutional selection. institutional tocratic, scholarly Bourdieu’s not are women These object. daughteracquiredhisaspirationalwealthythisman marriedlater a she when andmason a asthere makeover of a fine old home in the Berkshires; in a true rags- olderheritage, theydon’t preserve theoriginal upper- atedintohairpulling fist andfights. physicalthey the buy if And structures accoutrements or an of charity events such as the upper echelons use to consolidate their status, some of these have deterior- matches or tea parties they and their oversize hats are noticeably uncomfortable. When they attempt culturalcapital.attendtheyfashionpolooperabutiftheTheirweek,augustmostand not ritual is mercialize everyaspectoftheirprivatelivesthenthatbattleislong lost. they fail ethically also, and if being upper class means resisting the temptation to share and to com- then first others putting or others of thinking means “classy” being claim) they (as If vulgar. and of economics the reality TV are such but that their salaries increase class, and their contracts are renewed higher if they are outlandish considered is behavior their and articulate words Many in failure. restraint for that awareness up set being constantly are they then status, elite genuinely a secure and opportunities for camera onscreen branding the of attract themselves and to their products. outrageous But if be their goal to is need to establish they know resources financial adequate Some viewers will miss the inept code switching but if Bravo, for example, claims that it attracts it that claims example, for Bravo, if but switching code inept the miss will viewers Some affect. and engagement creates also It performance. class to attention draws incompetence Class status—except forthosewhomight judgethisstatusunearnedandcrass. well-­ these acquiring that convinced appear arrivistes these Instead, signaling. social in fluency and palate taste elite own individual’s the i.e., missing: is Birkin bag is not so much a purchase as an achievement. Global brands act as a prosthetic for what reverence is reserved not for Mozart or Rembrandt but for Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo; and a women are often seen buying or referring to their purchases of prestigious brands. In these circles, brand idolatry. In an effort to quickly and reliably translate financial into cultural capital, docusoap The difficulties and fragility of class transition are particularly apparent when there is a sudden a is there when apparent particularly are transition class of fragility and difficulties The Whatever their financial situation, these casts don’t appear to have as yet an established or high high or established an yet as have to appear don’t casts these situation, financial their Whatever One last means for securing social status worth mentioning is what can only be described as described be only can what is mentioning worth status social securing for means last One wives are now themselves entrepreneurs: given the possible stigma of stigmapossiblethemselvesentrepreneurs: the nowgiven are ­wives 34 Conclusion andPolitical Coda More often their social elevation is due to a sexualized body: either either body: sexualized a to due is elevation social their often More 35 educated or professional but are in careers such as sports, com- Married to Medicine). Due to being on the TV show, a good switch comic because the participants trespass on taboos June Deery 34 who rose through education and meri- and education through rose who transfuges up tea party). Everyone starts out with good with out starts Everyone party). tea up known retail talismans will accord automatic accord will talismans retail known ­classaesthetics, Dorindainas Medley’s garish ­to-riches story, her father once worked Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 and the class inversion that secured him the election. Dream of class mobility is generally offered as one explanation for the success of Trumpist populism tions in order to persuade a disaffected underclass to support an oligarch. A stalling of the Amer­ rela- class of understanding weak a exploited successfully who president riche nouveau a by compounded now class, of identification and significance the about anxieties contemporary mediate vates andevenangersmany,againsupportingtheideathatclasscalibrationsstillexist. aggra- this merited is than rank higher a claim to seem and overreach they when determination, and class recognition and affiliation do matter. classstandards, and hurt oroffend others indoing so, confirms that these standards do exist and that that is being sold. The extent to which cast members and viewers criticize individualsmore sophisticated for notand affluentmeeting viewers, then there is a good chance that it is ultimately class slippage

time, his own iconic nouveau riche status appears to offer hope that the twentieth- have presided over a brutal economic divide. turing and rural working classes to demolish the professional politics and professional journalism thatmanufac- old the among desire desperate the is pressure One “unreal.” and “real” between tinction dis- the discounts willfully that agnosticism ontological loose a on based corruption, epistemological class possesses also that dimensions. maneuver For a it seems that fact, pressures of within postindustrial destabilizing and capitalism skepticism have emboldened media this relentless form of Trump’s the underclasswhoseinterestsheoftendoesnot,infact,share. regular and (supposedly) (supposedly) of identity mixed a on capitalizes performance his since hybrid class deliberate a as the narrative of being self-­ rich: flashy and ostentatious, a lover of fast food and easily digested television, he has long projected newly the with affinities had always has Trump Donald wealth, some actually into born Although failed). had businesses his of many while (even assets class” “high his sold he where TV reality ticated person’s now occupies the most prestigious address in the world, Trump specializes in selling the unsophis- cism thatthreatenstodestabilizenothinglessthanthedemocratic system. skepti- a real, is what about skepticism of seeds the sowed also but campaign his launch to status and Inevitably,thisraises thespecter whetherof reality notTVonly gave Trump thename recognition stronger. the all is performance political his groups some among then flawed, and inconsistent terms consistently perform his elevated rank, if his hybrid identity means he is non-­ or adequately not does Trump If collectively. not if individually divide: this bridge still can Dream

1 4 3 2 5 6 Yet confusion does remain, both on and off screen. Indeed, it may be that these TV productions Duplicity is too simple a concept to describe what is going on here. Nor does it encompass encompass it does Nor here. on going is what describe to concept a simple too is Duplicity Viewer Sarah Metzgar in a in Metzgar Sarah Viewer video/5XiW6zs7UC8/rhony-­ June Deery, “TV Screening: The Entertainment Value of Poverty and Wealth,” in Wealth,” and Poverty of Value Entertainment The Screening: “TV Deery, June Ella ShohatandRobertStam,UnthinkingEurocentrism(London:Routledge,1994). York: PalgraveMacmillan,2011). cally on reality programming see Helen Wood and Beverley Skeggs, eds. eds. Press, Andrea and Deery June to Introduction the see media and class on scholarship of overview an For Reality TV began with the overtly upper-­ overtly the with began TV Reality Film, andDigitalCulture,eds.JuneDeeryAndreaPress (NewYork:Routledge,2017),53–67. Pregnant inHeels, ThickerthanWater. Charm , Southern Deck, Below Listing, Other series featuring the nouveaux riches on Bravo Channel alone include: The Family(1974). Media and Class: TV, Film, and Digital Culture (New York: Routledge, 2017); for more essays specifi- idea of wealth. His image as the successful business man was secured by his stint on billionaire by one who enjoys being considered authentically “ordinary” by made. But he and his political persona may be most accurately described comment regarding RH: NYC. Available at: https://ru- ­ at: Available NYC. RH: regarding comment YouTube dorinda-to-­ Class HybridityandtheHabitusClivé Princesses Long Island, Long Princesses Ski, Apres Matchmaker , Millionaire Out, Flipping 36 sonja-shut-­ While some viewers might admire the aspirants’ initiative middle-class Trump has tapped into this frustration and, at the same Notes 35 your-mouth-­ 37 An Amer­ An The real estate developer from Queens who (1973) and the working-­ the and (1973) Family ican season-9-episode-­ Reality Television and Class (New Shahs of Sunset, Million Dollar conforming and in class Media and Class: and Media 4-bravo.html. ­century Amer clip.com/ ican ­ican class TV, Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 10 15 14 13 12 11

28 27 26 25 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 31 30 29 24 23 9 8 7 Steph Lawler and Geoff Payne, eds., Price oftheTicket:RethinkingExperienceSocialMobility,”Sociology48,no 2(2013):352–368. bravotv.com/ladies-­ Pas,” Faux Fascinator the on “Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Block, Melissa 12, 2009. by interview Cohen, Andy when someone says I’m the healthiest person in the world, and then you see them ashing their cigarette.” audience the at wink “We explains: docusoaps, Bravo multiple of producer executive the Cohen, Andy https://play.google.com/store/tv/show/ site: Play (1987). Google the Stone’s Oliver in capitalism of defender and stockbroker 1980s iconic the was Gekko Gordon on found The_Real_Housewives_of_Orange_County?id=MbnRbbBerOU&hl=en. are descriptions Both Class, eds.JuneDeeryandAndreaPress(NewYork:Routledge,2017),21–37. portrayals see David Hesmondhalgh, “The Media’s Failure to Represent the Working Class,” in For a recent and groundbreaking analysis of how middle-­ Beverley Skeggs,FormationsofClassandGender:BecomingRespectable(London:Sage,1997). the Class Divide (New York: Penguin, 2017). For how class origin can inform one’s academic research see for a recent personal account of the difficulties of upward mobility see Lynsey Hanley, ulan “eln a oet tr: cons f e’ Uwr Mblt fo te ainl Child National the from Mobility Upward Study,” Men’s Development of Accounts Story: Modest a “Telling Buhlmann, Mobility for the 21st Century (New York. Routledge, 2018). Also see Andrew Miles, Mike eds., Savage Payne, and Geoff Felix and Lawler Steph see research of type this support that arguments on more For The ConstantFlux.AStudyofClassMobilityinIndustrialSocieties(Oxford:ClarendonPress,1992). Class Structure in Modern Britain (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1980); Robert Erikson and John H. Goldthorpe, For example, John H. Goldthorpe, John H., with Catriona Llewellyn and Clive Payne, MM38–48. Affluencer,” “The Dominus, Susan demographic.” aspiring upward-­ and stylish, chic, “young, Bravo’s describe to Zalaznick chief Bravo by coined was “Affluencer” 5–6. o hw hs nossec cn e eeae t frhr rtqe orius ok e Tony see work Bourdieu’s critique further to Bennett, leveraged be can inconsistency this how For Mobility,” 352–368. Social of Experience the Rethinking Ticket: the of Price “The Friedman, Sam see research professional his versus transition personal Bourdieu’s of overview good a For Bourdieu, TheState, 107. Bourdieu, TheLogic, 62. Clough (Stanford,CA:StanfordUniversityPress,1996[1989]). Bourdieu, Pierre [1980]); 1990 Pierre Bourdieu, modern-family-­ www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/26/upshot/duck- ­ at: Available 2016. 27, December For example, Laurie Ouellette and James Hay, Parks, Phaedra Vanderpump, Lisa Lesseps, de Heather Dubrow,andPatriciaAltschul. LuAnn are decorum of dames grandes the of Examples York City,”FeministMediaStudies13,no 1(2013):64–82. Michael J. Lee and Leigh Moscowitz, “The ‘Rich Bitch’: Class and Gender on LuAnn deLesseps,ClasswiththeCountess(NewYork:Gotham,2009). June Deery,RealityTV(Cambridge:PolityPress,2015). millan, 2012), 142. Deery, June Have anOffMoment(NewYork:GalleryBooks,2013). Parks, Phaedra Century, eds.LawlerSteph andGeoffPayne(NewYork:Routledge, 2018),146–157. in Mobility,” Social of Cruelty “The Reay, Diane recently, more and, 1941) See, for example, the early work of Pitrim Sorokin, 1981). Hopper, Earl example, For Bernard Lahire,ThePluralActor(Cambridge,UK:PolityPress,2011). (2007): 201–228. Josh Katz, “ Deery, Reality TV. Citizenship (Blackwell:Oxford,2008). “Habitus Clivé: Aesthetics and Politics in the Work of Pierre Bourdieu,” ‘Duck Dynasty’ vs. ‘Modern Family’: 50 Maps of the U.S. Cultural Divide.” (New York: Palgrave Mac- Palgrave York: (New Entertainment Factual of Commercialization The Reality: Consuming Secrets of the Southern Belle: Southern the of Secrets television-maps.html. The Logic of Practice, translated by Richard Nice (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, of-london/season-­ 62, no 62, Sociology of Journal British The (New York: Praeger, York: (New Insatiability and Control Social of Study A Mobility: Social , translated by Lauretta by translated Power, of Field the in Schools Elite Nobility: State The Social Mobility for the 21st Century (New York: Routledge, 2018). And 1/blogs/caroline-­ How to Be Nice, Work Hard, Look Pretty, Have Fun, and Never and Fun, Have Pretty, Look Hard, Work Nice, Be to How June Deery Better Living Through Reality TV: Television and Post-­ Ntoa Pbi Rdo August Radio, Public National Considered, Things All 36 Social and Cultural Mobility (London: ­ Collier- stanbury/caroline-­ class and upper-­ 4 (2011): 418–441; and Sam Friedman, “The Friedman, Sam and 418–441; (2011): 4 (blog), June 2, 2014, www. 2014, 2, June (blog), London of Ladies , November 2008, November Magazine, Times York New class media producers affect class on-the-­ 48, no. 48, Sociology The Real Housewives of New Social Mobility for the 21st the for Mobility Social fascinator-faux-­ New Literary History 38 Respectable: Crossing Social Mobility and New York Times, dynasty-vs-­ Macmillan, Wall Street Wall Media and 2 (2013): 2 pas. Welfare Social Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 15:21 26 Sep 2021; For: 9781351027342, chapter3, 10.4324/9781351027342-3 37 36 35 34 33 32 For data on the economic decline of the Amer­ Andrew Sayer,TheMoralSignificanceofClass(Cambridge:CambridgeUniversityPress,2005). Beverly HillsbeingmoregenuinelyaffluentandsophisticatedthanthoseofNewJerseyorAtlanta. within distinctions some are There Bourdieu, TheState. in 2011duetofinancialpressurescompoundedbythe show. It is thought that Russell Armstrong, a husband on 1977 [1972]). Richard Sennett and Jonathan Cobb, bridge: Polity,2015),110–114. Atkinson, Will see this on more For lifestyle. or occupation or income whether example, for selected; criterion main the on depending mobility, of rates the on disagree scholars Some trends.org. Middle Class is Losing Ground,” Washington, DC, December 9, 2015. Retrieved from www.pewsocial- Class HybridityandtheHabitusClivé franchises, with the women of New York and York New of women the with franchises, Housewives Real The The Hidden Injuries of Class (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, ican middle class see Pew Research Center, “The Amer­ 37 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, committed suicide (Cam- Class ican