Communication, Media, and American Society: A Critical Introduction / Edition 1

by Daniel W. Rossides

Overview

What is the role of communication technology and media in making American society more adaptive, equitable, and democratic? Analyzing the field of communication against an in-depth picture of American society, this provocative, wide-ranging text explores how communication enterprises are intrinsically linked to the establishment and maintenance of social power. Throughout the book, changes in communication capabilities are related to changes in wealth and income distribution, the structures of economic organizations, work and the professions, minorities, law and government, urbanization, popular culture, and globalization. In an engaging narrative the author presents empirical evidence that suggests that popular beliefs about the democratic role of media and communications often are misguided. While we are in an information age, it is not an information revolution that can liberate society. Emphasizing new technologies and media in contemporary American society, Rossides shows how most forms of social communication throughout history—language, gestures, clothing, buildings and spaces, ships and railroads—have sustained social power.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742519404
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/06/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.78(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.64(d)

About the Author

Daniel W. Rossides is professor of sociology emeritus, Bowdoin College. He has also taught at Hunter College, CUNY, and York University, Toronto. He has published books on social theory, social stratification, and the professions and disciplines, as well as articles on education for Change and The Journal of Higher Education. He is currently working on a manuscript titled Understanding American Capitalism.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Part I. Kind of Society and Kind of Communication Chapter 2 Chapter 1. Communication and Types of Power Structure in the Premodern World Chapter 3 Chapter 2. Communication and the Rise of Capitalism, 1100-1800 Chapter 4 Chapter 3. Communication, Media and the Emergence of Corporate Capitalism in the United States, 1800-1940 Part 5 Part II. Communication, Media, and Contemporary American Society Chapter 6 Chapter 4. Computer Communication and the the Emergence of Corporate World-Market Capitalism after 1940 Chapter 7 Chapter 5. Communication, Media, and the American Polity Chapter 8 Chapter 6. Communication, Media, and the American City Chapter 9 Chapter 7. Journalism, Policy Science, Policy Groups, and Foundations: Undermining the Public and Contracting the Public Sphere Chapter 10 Chapter 8. Communication, Media, and Popular Culture Chapter 11 Chapter 9. Communication and Media Problems: The Need to Ask Foundational Questions

Editorial Reviews

This book is unmatched among communication texts for the breadth of its historical coverage, the depth of its sociological analysis, and for its thorough and unflinching examination of how power shapes communication practices and institutions.

Vincent Mosco

The advantages of this book are the provocative questions raised, historical perspective, wide range, and macrosociological lens. Whether or not readers agree with it, many should find it stimulating.

Contemporary Sociology