COMM 3100

Critical Communication Theories

Opening
Structural-functionalism
Liberal-pluralism
Critical theories

Snowpiercer

(2013, Bong Joon-ho)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm9qKj1Q_OU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_47ph6EvQPU#t=47

Conception of society (Worldview):

structural functionalism

The biological analogy

The human body is healthy when all systems

are working properly

Being healthy is normal and desirable

Illnesses occur when some of the systems are

not working well

Problems in one system can affect the

performance of other systems

But usually the proper operation of all the

various systems taken together would bring
the human body back to its equilibrium state

Conception of society

structural functionalism
Structural functionalism compares the structure of society to human body
Believes that human behaviors are structural -they are governed by rules and norms associated with specific
roles

Institution is constituted by
A set of roles, together with the rules and norms guiding how people
taking up the roles should perform
Institutions and actions have functions and dysfunctions
Interplay of functions and dysfunctions
disequilibrium ; stability / disability

Changes?

system in equilibrium /

Conception of society

structural functionalism
Explain the persistence of the modern mass
media in terms of its functions (and dysfunctions)

Surveillance
Social coordination
Socialization
Transmission of social heritage
Status conferral function
Entertainment

Conception of society

structural functionalism

Social theory and media/communication studies

E.g., mass society and the beginning of media effects research

Lasswells model (1948)

What do you remember about media effects theories?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvgURfZMGoQ

Effect theories:

Powerful effect: magic bullet / hypodermic needle theory

Limited effect:
Two-step flow

A critical look of this paradigm by Todd Gitlin

(reading assigned this week)

Conception of society:

structural functionalism

So why is structural functionalism uncritical?

It does NOT mean that structural functionalists never
criticize media and social phenomena the concept of
dysfunction

Assumptions
The existing social system is an acceptable system
Social problems are only illnesses
Social harmony is an achievable and legitimate goal
We should try to ensure the reproduction of existing
values and norms

strong tendency to justify the persistence of existing

institutions
Pro status-quo

Different concepts of society

---- Worldviews

Structural-functionalism
Liberal-pluralism

Uncritical theories

Conception of society:

Liberal-pluralism

Another uncritical theoretical tradition: Liberal-pluralism

An influential theory about the operation of liberal democratic

society

Main arguments

In a pluralistic society, people have different values,

norms, beliefs, and interests how can they live
together?
The public-private distinction:
We accept that how people behave and what they
believe in private is none of our business

Conception of society:

Liberal pluralism

In public, people form into groups representing

different values and interests, and groups compete with
each other for the control of resources

In a liberal democratic society with civil rights and

periodic elections, the interest groups compete with
each other freely and openly

The government serves mainly as the impartial

arbitrator in group conflicts

Eg. A market place of ideas

Conception of society

Liberal-pluralism

The role of the media in a liberal pluralistic society

Serve as an impartial platform for inter-group

competition
Objectivity, neutrality, diversity as major
norms/ideals/standards
Host many viewpoints, cater to many tastes and
needs
Consumers have market power
Relevant laws and organizations to regulate the
media environment

Conception of society

Liberal-pluralism

Social stability is ensured by:

OR latent assumptions (never really fulfilled!):

The criss-crossing of the group boundaries

Resources and power are widely scattered

throughout the society

Different groups have relatively equal chance to

win the competitions for resources

Conception of society:

Liberal Pluralism

Why is liberal pluralism uncritical?

It recognizes conflicts and competition between groups, but it
believes in the existence of relative equality
market solution is the best
In the end, it believes in the fundamental soundness of the
existing social and political system

Critical Theories
Modern Times (1936)