The delivery of information and entertainment to the masses or large numbers of people

Sociology of Mass Media

History of Mass Media1444- Printing

Press All forms of first

mass media were in print form until…

Broadcasting: Radio and Television revolutionized how people received their information and entertainment until…

Digital: the Internet

Types of Mass MediaBooks, Newspaper,

Television, Radio, Video Games, Movies, Internet.

Small groups receiving information or entertainment is just media.

Functions of Mass MediaManifest: Deliver

information and entertainment

Latent: Spread bias, influence, and to sell.

Conflict Views: Controlled by the elite to maintain elitist views and stereotypes.

Issues in Mass MediaHypodermic Syringe Model: Mass Media injects violence, sex, and crime into society which desensitizes the American people.

Mass Media Represents Women…Body ImageFeminine Trivialized: Male

GazeHousewife/MotherDevastated/

Damsel in DistressSex Object

Mass Media Represents Men…Masculine/Macho

Joker, Jock, Strong-Silent Type, Big Shot, Hero

Mass Media Represents Sexuality…Homosexual

Types and or Roles

As a joke or comedy

Abnormal

Mass Media Represents Disability…

With sympathyOnly popular or

heroic if they overcome their disability.

Portrayed weak or abnormal.

Mass Media Represents Ethnic Minorities…StereotypesCriminal or

villainNegativeSubtle Prejudice“Die First”

Mass Media Represents Age…Old people are

grouchy or wise.Parents/

Teachers on kid shows are portrayed as dumb and/or oblivious.

Old is negativeOnly young is

attractive

Mass Media Represents Social Class..Rich People are

jerks or evil.Money is evil.Poor people are

weak or inept. Sympathy for the

poor. Always conflict

between rich and poor.