Understanding Media Cultures

"Nick Stevenson argues that the social-theoretical perspectives considered all highlight different aspects of media culture. This is a fresh and interesting argument, and Stevenson makes his case for the reflexive utilization of media theories with great skill. The book is an important social-theoretical contribution to media studies." --Anthony Elliott in Sociology Author Nick Stevenson provides a broad theoretical overview of the ways that the theories of contemporary society have tried to deal with the media's place in the production and reproduction of culture. At the same time, he illuminates the relationship between general social theories and the range of communication theories of the medium and the message--concepts of media, production, communication, and reception. The key social theories of mass communication are explained in detail and subjected to critical scrutiny. Individual theorists examined include Raymond Williams, Stuart Hall, Jürgen Habermas, Marshall McLuhan, Fredric Jameson, and Jean Baudrillard. The book also covers the important traditions of media analysis from feminism to cultural studies. Understanding Media Cultures is essential reading for students and scholars in mass communication, social theory, sociology of the media, and cultural studies.Stevenson, Nicholas is the author of 'Understanding Media Cultures' with ISBN 9780803989306 and ISBN 080398930X.