Studies in Critical Social Sciences355 Rethinking Media and Communication

This book critically examines media and communication through the lens of sociology, political economy, and related fields. It reveals how capitalist power structures shape media and communication, reinforce inequalities, and sustain control in society. In this book, the authors address critical questions about the role of media and communication in capitalist societies. How do power structures shape communication processes? How are inequalities reinforced across different levels of society—micro, mezzo, and macro? Drawing on sociology, political economy, media studies and related fields, the book offers fresh insights into how communication supports capitalist domination, from media commodification to media concentration. It calls for a rethinking of how communication affects social relations and how social relations influence communication, exposing its deep connection to economic and political power. This book is essential for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping today’s media landscape.