Downtown Abbey representation practise

Gender and class and status are represented in this opening scene from Downtown Abbey. We are immediately introduced to a multitude of maids which are all interestingly enough; women. This representation is very stereotypical as the role of maids cleaning or working in the kitchen is very common for women. Especially as this show is based in the 1910's we are not shocked to see women portrayed this way. However, we are introduced to a few male workers. It is interesting to note that they are given different jobs that may be perceived as more responsible like being assistant to the main man of the house or delivering the mail. So although they may appear to be in the same class as their female counterparts there is still this sense of male authority and dominance. There is a contrast in this class and status when we are introduced to the upper class of people. The main observation being that the wealthy people may wake up whenever they like but the lower class have a set time to wake up. There is a concept of freedom vs captivity. The upper class represent power and authority and the lower class represent the lack of. It is interesting to note however the hierarchy that is created. Yes, the upper class are in authority over the lower class but even within the lower class there are some authoritative roles. Along with the already mentioned role of the dominant male there are also roles of power within the maids as we grasp the sense that there is a senior maid. This is made clear as other maids listen to her when she's talking as though she is the one who is telling them what to do. Even within the male workers we can see this. Age is also another interesting factor to include. There is a sense that depending on how young you are determines how you may be treated. This hierarchy continues as we see one of the young workers come off a little aggressive as they talk to an even younger mail boy. They feel they are in enough authority to do so possibly due to their age.