This book deals with the social, cultural and especially political significance of media by shifting from the usual focus on the public sphere and publics and paying attention to populations. It describes key moments where populations of different sorts have been subject to formative and diverse projects of governing, in which communication has been key. It brings together governmentality studies with the study of media practices and communication technologies. Chapters consider print culture and the new political technology of individuals; digital economies as places where populations are formed, known and managed as productive resources; workplaces, schools, clinics and homes as sites of governmental objectives; and how to appropriately link communication technologies and practices with politics. Through these chapters Philip Dearman, Cathy Greenfield and Peter Williams demonstrate the value of considering communication in terms of the government of populations.
This book deals with the social, cultural and especially political significance of media by shifting from the usual focus on the public sphere and publics and paying attention to populations. It describes key moments where populations of different sorts have been subject to formative and diverse projects of governing, in which communication has been key. It brings together governmentality studies with the study of media practices and communication technologies. Chapters consider print culture and the new political technology of individuals; digital economies as places where populations are formed, known and managed as productive resources; workplaces, schools, clinics and homes as sites of governmental objectives; and how to appropriately link communication technologies and practices with politics. Through these chapters Philip Dearman, Cathy Greenfield and Peter Williams demonstrate the value of considering communication in terms of the government of populations.
Applies an interdisciplinary approach to the relationship between communication and politics in the twenty-first century and earlier
Examines both ‘old' and 'new' media, as well as other communication contexts and practices important in society and politics
Contributes to arguments about how communication literacy impacts power and the lives of specific populations
. This book argues for shifting attention to populations. It brings together governmentality studies and its enlargement of how we think about politics, with the study of media practices and communication technologies. It brings into focus key moments where populations of different sorts have been subject to formative and diverse projects of governing, in which communication has been key. Chapters range across: print culture and the new political technology of individuals; digital economies as places where populations are formed, known and managed as productive resources; workplaces, schools, clinics and homes as sites of governmental objectives; and how to appropriately link communication technologies and practices with politics. Key themes include person formation, standardized individuality, financialization and mobile privatization, distinguishing technologies of democracy and populism, the power of cascading rationalities in digitally networked worlds.
Philip Dearman
democracy digital economies governmentality mobile privitization print culture