Thinking through Television

by Ron Lembo

Overview

This original and engaging book investigates American television viewing habits as a distinct cultural form. Based on an empirical study of the day-to-day use of television by working people, it develops a unique theoretical approach integrating cultural sociology, postmodernism and the literature of media effects to explore the way in which people give meaning to their viewing practices. Accessibly written and at the cutting edge of cultural studies and television research, this book is essential reading for students and academics in cultural studies, television research, media and communication studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521584654
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/19/2000
Series:	Cambridge Cultural Social Studies
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)
Lexile:	1490L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Conceptions of Television Use: 1. Social theory; 2. Social science; 3. Cultural studies; Part II. Reconceptualising Television Use: 4. Sociality and the problem of the subject; 5. Components of a viewing culture; Part III. Documenting the Viewing Culture: 6. Methodology and the turn to television; 7. The practice of viewing; 8. A typology of use; Conclusion: the politics of television reconsidered.

Editorial Reviews

"...a must-read for anyone interested in issues of media, culture, and society, including the fields of sociology, anthropology, media and communication studies, American studies, cultural studies, journalism, and media education. The text is suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses and should be required for any projects examining different approaches to media influence, audience interpretation, and contemporary culture." Journal of Communication

"Lembo artfully and skillfully makes his case... His findings affirm just how complicated television viewing actually is, and how nuanced analysts should be when studying it." Denise D. Bielby, Contemporary Sociology

From the Publisher