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.
Author(s): Ron Lembo
Series: Cambridge Cultural Social Studies
Edition: 1
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 2000
Language: English
Pages: 270
Cambridge Cultural Social Studies......Page 4
Contents......Page 9
Acknowledgments......Page 11
Introduction: Situating my experience with television......Page 15
PART I Conceptions of television use......Page 29
1 Social Theory......Page 31
2 Social science......Page 45
3 Cultural studies......Page 67
PART II Reconceptualizing television use......Page 97
4 Sociality and the problem of the subject......Page 99
5 Components of a viewing culture......Page 113
PART III Documenting the viewing culture......Page 129
6 Methodology and the turn to television......Page 131
7 The practice of viewing......Page 181
8 A typology of television use......Page 229
Conclusion: The politics of television reconsidered......Page 246
References......Page 257
Index......Page 262
Cambridge Cultural Social Studies......Page 269
