Croteau/Hoynes: Media/Society, 5th Edition
Instructor Resource
Chapter 1: Media and the Social World
Purpose and Goals of the Chapter
This chapter introduces the theoretical approach that underlies Media/Society. It
examines the social implications of mass media and explores how a sociological approach to
media is distinctive. It also provides students with some basic information on the history of
Outline of Key Chapter Themes
Mass media are pervasive. Media influence all aspects of contemporary society.
A brief overview of the history of mass media development shows it to be a relatively recent
phenomenon.
Digitization and the Internet provide new opportunities for interactivity, but concerns about
media industries, production, and the power of media remain salient.
The sociology of media involves seeing media as a social process.
Chapter Outline
MEDIA AND THE SOCIAL WORLD
The Importance of Media
Pervasiveness of Media in Contemporary Society
Media as a Dominant Social Institution
The Rise of Mass Media
The Print Medium
Sound Recording and the Film Medium
Broadcast Media
Digitization, the Internet, and Mobile Technologies
Media and Society
Mass Media in Socialization
A Sociology of Media
The Importance of Social Relations
Structural Constraint and Human Agency
Structure
Agency
Structure and Agency in the Media
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Croteau/Hoynes: Media/Society, 5th Edition
Instructor Resource
A Model of Media and the Social World
Applying the Model: The Civil Rights Movement
Conclusion
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