Understanding Public Relations Theory, Culture and Society

<p>This book argues that public relations is not merely an organizational tool, but a powerful influence on social and political life. From carefully considered communication by multinational corporations, to government campaigns that manage public opinion, to the self-promotion of celebrities via social media, public relations is central to our individual and collective lives.</p> <p><em>Understanding Public Relations</em><strong> </strong>introduces a socio-cultural approach to public relations as a way of analysing the growing importance of public relations in its social, cultural and political contexts. Encouraging a deeper and more critical understanding of its influence on society, Lee Edwards:</p> <ul> <li>Explores public relations in relation to contemporary debates around <strong>promotional culture, discourse, globalisation, democracy</strong> and <strong>power</strong></li> <li>Considers how public relations frames vital discussions of <strong>race, gender, class</strong> and <strong>ethics</strong></li> <li>Brings theory to life with a range of case studies, including <strong>YouTube vlogging</strong>, <strong>the global fair trade movement</strong> and the <strong>2016 EU referendum in the UK</strong></li> </ul> <p>Both accessible and provocative, this is an invaluable resource for students and researchers exploring public relations theory, critical public relations, strategic communication and promotional culture.</p>