The Political Economy And Cultural Studies Theories

Introduction Mass media plays an important role in the society by providing entertainment, information and acting as the government’s overseer. Several scholars have developed philosophies that help people understand how mass media fulfills its roles in the society. For example, Horkheimer and Adorno have constructed theories that explain the functions and impacts of mass media in the society across the globe (Mosco, 2008). The central theme in all mass communication models entails the meaning of media contents, which include the images and texts and their influence on the target audience. The perception of the target audience concerning the text and images in the media are what form the basis of these theories. This essay discusses two hypothetical frameworks: the political economy and cultural studies theories, including their similarities and differences, and how they help in understanding the relationship between the media and society. The Political Economy and Cultural Studies Theories Similarities There are major similarities between the two theories, especially regarding their underlying principles. Both models help understand the relationship between media and the society. The two theoretical frameworks perceive the media as an agent that promotes hegemony and the ideologies of the ruling class (Mosco, 2009). The political economy theory stresses on how the elite members of society use the media as a source of power to control the society. Similarly, popularShow MoreRelatedCultural Industries – Theory Assignment Essay701 Words   |  3 PagesCultural Industries – Theory Assignment The dominant traditions have an important role to many economies in terms of assessing change and continuity that involves the growth of prosperity and employment in the cultural industries. The process to determine the best solution may be complicated and tiresome as controversy surrounds these traditions. 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