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On Political Functions Of China's Mass Media

Posted on:2011-06-29Degree:DoctorType:Dissertation
Country:ChinaCandidate:Y C LuFull Text:PDF
GTID:1118330332466420Subject:Political Theory
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From the very beginning, mass media has been closely related to politics. Politics used to provide directions to media, but now the opposite is true.This dissertation looks at some functions of mass media from the political point of view, including aspects such as media and political participation, supervision of environment, socialization of politics, political stability, political subjects. It will focus on the roles mass media can play in the development of politics.In his book The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere, Jurgen Habermas defines three spheres in our society. The first one is public authoritative sphere; the second is the sphere of private people who join together to form a public; the third exists between the above two spheres. Mass media is a holder of public sphere or an ideal public sphere. Political participation, supervision of environment, socialization of politics, political stability, and uplifting of political subjects can prompt progress of political subjects. These political functions of mass media can only be realized when mass media serves as a bridge that connects public sphere and private sphere. The two spheres impose influence on each other through media, although representing different aspects of politics. Mass media also facilitates the communication between two spheres.Chapter One discusses political origins of mass media. As people get more dependent on mass media, voices from media have become an authority. The development of mass media is an important indicator of a country's democracy. Chapter Two talks about the function of media participation. Chapter Three studies the role of media in the supervision of environment, suggesting that as an area that orients public opinions, mass media monitors the operation of our society while supervising over public authority. Chapter Four analyzes the significance of mass media in socialization. No matter how political awareness emerges, mass media is a major channel. Chapter Five sheds light on the significance of mass media in maintaining social stability. Social transformation is a conflicting period when the society is faced with challenges and problems. As a social controller and a stress remover, mass media can maintain social security. Chapter Six elaborates on how the government and politics--two political subjects--face challenges during their development.Besides its political attribute, mass media also has economic attribute which, in our country, is subordinate to the former. However, in public sphere, the two attributes will need to build up some tension so as to keep mass media independent. Therefore, the development of media is very important as politics develops,...
Keywords/Search Tags:media, politics, public sphere, media society
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