Uses and Gratifications

Peaky Blinders
The first area of Katz and Blumlers Uses and Gratifications Theory that we can apply is that the audience can gain information from the text. The audience can learn, self-educate and gain a sense of security through knowledge. Peaky Blinders was set in 1919 and therefore provides a lot of historical information about the era that it was set in. This is evidenced in the text when Tommy Shelby and CI Chester Campbell are making a deal in the tea room. Issues such as the IRA and communism are raised and demonstrates to the audience that these were the issues present in the time it was set. The dialogue between the two characters educates the audience about events in 1919 that they may not have known before. Audiences may also be able to personally identify with characters values within the text. They may find reinforcement for personal values or identify with already gained values. Although set in a very different era from modern day, contemporary issues are still raised. This is evidenced in the text when Ada and Aunt Polly are talking about her being pregnant and again when Aunt Polly gives the letter to Tommy and they discuss how Ada can't bring a child into the world on her own. The audience may have their own values and beliefs about this issue.